Groundbreaking was held July 20
for the long-delayed Canal Street streetcar line, although actual construction
isn’t likely to begin until early September (see next story). A slew of local
dignitaries wielding ceremonial shovels attended the event, during which
speakers praised the project for its ability to enhance transportation
alternatives, reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, encourage tourism,
beautify Canal Street and produce more jobs. “It's a project I just love,”
said Mayor Marc Morial. The 4.1-mile, $157-million project between the
Mississippi River and the cemeteries is scheduled to be completed in early
2004.
Let The Work Begin
The Regional Transportation
Authority voted to approve a $19.5-million construction contract on July 24 for
the first segment of the Canal Street project. The job went to Boh Bros.
Construction Co., for the 1.5-mile portion between Baronne and Salcedo streets.
Contracts for two additional sections are tentatively expected to be awarded in
October and December. The restored line, to be built in the neutral ground
(median) of Canal Street, will be equipped with 23 new streetcars being built by
RTA personnel at the Carrollton Barn. The trolleys will resemble vintage Perley
Thomas cars running on the St. Charles line but will have clerestory roofs to
hide air conditioning gear, a modern propulsion system and wheelchair lifts. RTA
Deputy General Manager Donald Preau told the New Orleans Times-Picayune
that assembly of the first trolley is about 30 percent complete and work on the
second is just getting started. Once the first two units are completed and
reconstruction of Carrollton is finished in December, Preau hopes to produce one
new car every four weeks at a cost of about $1.2 million each. A prototype has
been operating a shuttle between the foot of Canal Street and Baronne Street
since December 1999.
