Vacherie levee path open

Published 12:00 am Saturday, November 3, 2012

Lori Lyons

Contributing Writer

VACHERIE – Several state and local officials were on hand in St. James Parish Wednesday to mark the completion of  the west bank portion of  the Plantation Trace Travel Enhancement Project, a two-mile stretch of recreational bicycle and walking trails atop the Mississippi River levee.

Rep. Edward Price and Parish President Timmy Roussel were joined by parish council members, Lafourche Levee Board representatives, engineers and staff members of Oak Alley Plantation for a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the multi-use trails to the public.

Begun in June with a grant from the Department of Transportation and Development, the multi-use trail stretches along the top of the west bank levee on River Road (Louisiana Highway 18) from the Math and Science Academy to Oak Alley Plantation. Another path is under way on the east bank, from the Gramercy Fire Station to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulina.

Similar projects are under way throughout the River Parishes. Eventually a continuous path will run from Audubon Park in New Orleans to Baton Rouge.

“I am excited to bring such an innovative project to the community,” Roussel said. “We’ve added another highlight, making St. James Parish more exciting to work, live, play and grow.”