Seattle — Streetcar Groundbreaking

Rail Transit Online, August 2006

Ceremonies were held on July 7 marking the start of construction on the 1.3-mi. (2.1 km) South Lake Union streetcar line.  Modern trolleys will connect Westlake Center to a redevelopment area that, by the year 2020, is expected to generate 20,000 biotech jobs and attract 17,000 residents living in high-rise condominiums.  City officials hope workers and residents will use the streetcars instead of their autos for short trips.  The $51-million project on Westlake Avenue is modeled on the downtown Portland streetcar, which has been extremely successful in attracting ridership and stimulating new development along its route.  Some Seattle leaders believe streetcars will someday serve a number of local neighborhoods including First Hill, the University of Washington and the Chinatown International District.