Winston-Salem, NC — Streetcar Discussion

Rail Transit Online, September 2006

The city this fall will begin discussions that could lead to construction of an approximately 3.8-mi. (6.1 km) streetcar loop along Fourth and Fifth streets connecting the Piedmont Triad Research Park downtown with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.  An already-completed $175,000 study by consultant HDR Engineering Inc. has determined the project would cost at least $52 million and would carry about 5,800 daily riders.  “We're going to need to look at all the pros and cons, including the issues of economic impact and connectivity, while also keeping in mind the problems of cost,” City Manager Lee Garrity told the Winston-Salem Journal.   Council members reportedly have a list of questions to ask city staff about projections for downtown growth and how the streetcar would fit in.  Many of the study’s assumptions were based on experiences in Portland, Tampa and Tacoma.  The full council isn’t expected to consider the issue until early next year.  Several extensions have already been proposed, including links to Old Salem, Wake Forest University, various sports and entertainment venues and Winston-Salem State University.