The bollards are similar to those found at the entrance to Nuclear power plants, refineries and gov't installations. They retract into the ground and are raised using hydraulics or pneumatics to a height of about 4ft. That are tough enough to stop a large truck. As I recall, there were four or five at each installation. But keep in mind, that Bourbon Street is narrow and barely one lane wide. I cannot understand why they would not have been up, unless the cops routinely lower them at 3am. Still for New Years Eve, the Quarter is hopping all night most years and Bourbon Street is usually hopping every night. It is a mystery to me. An just for the record, I am not a cop hater. They have a very tough job and would not fail to raise the bollards unless ordered to do so, IMO.