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LAPLACE — Delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and higher than expected construction bids temporarily derailed the LA SAFE Airline and Main Complete Streets Project.

But the project might soon be started after the St. John the Baptist Parish Council this past Tuesday night authorized the parish administration to re-advertise for construction bids.

Peter Montz, director of Purchasing and Procurement, said the previous bid had exceeded the amount of funds available for the project.

He said the design engineer consulted with the Parish and Grant Authority to package the model with modified designs and alternative options to reduce the cost.

Once completed, the project will beautify the community while also implementing stormwater features. The hope is LA SAFE will drive development into a traditionally low flood risk area.

The 1.3-mile stretch of work will include street improvements on Airline Highway between Tiffany Drive and Main street and continue on a 0.3-mile stretch on Main Street in Laplace.

Amenities include a cyclist path, parking, sidewalks, historic light poles and a green infrastructure.

In other action, the council authorized the parish to enter into a professional services agreement with Compliance EnviroSysems LLC of Baton Rouge for the assessment and rehabilitation of existing storm and sanitary sewer mains, television inspection and dyewater flooding, smoke testing and cleaning physical inspection of catch basins, manholes and wet wells damaged by Hurricane Ida.