‘Better Block’ To Take Over Bertrand Drive

If the streets of Lafayette could be rebuilt and rethought, what changes would we make? That's the question ReCover Acadiana along with LCG are trying to answer with, 'Better Block', a one day event during which a portion of Bertrand Drive will be transformed to a pedestrian and bicycle friendly area. Lafayette Chief Development Officer Kevin Blanchard joined “Nathan and Bernie in the Morning” for our “Lafayette Live” to discuss 'Better Block'.

"We’re going to temporarily for the day show people what Bertrand would be like if we did it right the first time or if we redid it," said Blanchard.

Saturday, May 31, a section of Bertrand Drive from the Horse Farm to the water tower near Deano's will transform. The street will be taken down to two lanes from four and temporary sidewalks and bike lanes will be added. Food trucks will be on-hand to provide refreshments and, according to Blanchard, Deano's Pizza will be "going all out".

"We’re going to have people realize that with sidewalks and the right kind of build environment, you can completely change the way a neighborhood or business corridor can function," said Blanchard. "What we want to do is demonstrate that cars, people, and bicycles can coexist and function together."

To hear the full audio from the interview, click the play button below: