Winston-Salem, NC — Streetcars Suggested

Rail Transit Online, September 2003

A study by the city's transportation staff has recommended reviving streetcars to connect downtown with residential areas, tourist locales, universities, medical facilities and job centers.  The system, modeled on the Portland Streetcar, would be built in phases and cost an estimated $130 million.  As in Portland, neighborhood disruption would be minimized because a shallow, 12-in. deep track slab design would be used, reducing the time needed for utility relocation and construction.  “One of the big selling points is that you don't have to tear up the streets for a long time to make it happen,” city transportation director Stan Polanis told the Winston-Salem Journal.  The rail lines would be part of an effort to revitalize the city center with more retail outlets, upscale restaurants, trendy clubs and apartments.  The initial 3.7-mi. (6 km) route would have a price tag of approximately $45 million and would link the future Piedmont Triad Research Park with Wake Forest University Medical Center along Fourth and Fifth streets.  The proposal still must be approved by the city council, which would have to identify funding sources.  Among those suggested are the private sector, bonds, higher parking fees, federal grants and tax revenue.  The study calls for creating a not-for-profit civic group to manage the project, which appears to have strong support from the business community.