Phase I Redevelopment Overview

The City of New Orleans continues to advance the redevelopment of Lincoln Beach with a clear focus on safely reopening this historic and culturally significant site. Guided by community input and a phased implementation strategy, the project is currently moving through design, permitting, and early pre-construction activities for Phase 1 of the Lincoln Beach Master Plan.

 

Latest Community Updates

April 2026 Community Update Presentation

 

Phase 1: Safe Public Reopening

Phase 1 focuses on the essential infrastructure required to safely reopen Lincoln Beach. Key elements include:

  • Access and Parking Improvements: Safe entry, ADA access, and emergency access routes
  • Pedestrian Bridge and Tunnel Rehabilitation: Safe crossing over Hayne Boulevard and the railroad
  • Utilities: Water, sewer, drainage, and electrical systems
  • Restrooms: Basic amenities to support public use
  • Beach and Shoreline Restoration: Sand placement, stabilization, and erosion protection
  • Waterfront Repairs: Addressing unsafe structures
  • Historic Rehabilitation: Restoration of key historic features such as signage and pavilions

While these improvements may not be the most visible, they are critical to making the site safe, functional, and sustainable.

 

Phased Construction Approach

To accelerate progress, Phase 1 is divided into three construction packages:

  • Phase 1A: Parking lot and site access (earliest construction)
  • Phase 1B: Pedestrian bridge, utilities, and site improvements
  • Phase 1C: Beach nourishment, shoreline protection, and waterfront work

This approach allows portions of the project to move into construction sooner while more complex elements continue through permitting.

 

Timeline and What to Expect

Rather than a single timeline, the project includes multiple overlapping timelines for design, permitting, and construction.

Key milestones include:

  • Spring to Fall 2026: Continued design development and cost modeling
  • Late 2026: Initial construction activities (starting with Phase 1A)
  • 2027: Continued construction for bridge, utilities, and beach restoration

Timelines are influenced by permitting requirements, particularly for environmentally sensitive work along the shoreline.