New Orleans
Rail Transit Online, February 2006
Rebuilding with LRT
The Bring New Orleans Back Commission has proposed a
comprehensive, and controversial, plan to revive the hurricane-devastated
city that relies in part on short streetcar extensions and construction of a
53-mi. (85.3 km) light rail system costing an estimated $3 billion. There
would also be a separate commuter rail network linking New Orleans with the
capital at Baton Rouge and other cities along the Gulf Coast, although this
is considered a long-term project. Light rail transit would be a unifying
force within the city, according to the commission, connecting neighborhoods
with each other and with the airport, downtown and other commercial
centers. Residential and business development would be clustered around
stations. The commission report envisions LRT lines on Elysian Fields
Avenue, Canal Boulevard, South Claiborne Avenue, St. Claude Avenue and Chef
Menteur Highway. However, other recommendations contained in the sweeping
but non-binding plan, including a deadline for the start rebuilding, have
generated intense opposition from residents. Much of the plan, including
LRT, must be approved by Washington, which will provide substantial
funding. Thus, it’s far too early to determine which proposals — if any —
will ultimately be adopted.
Power from Boston
Streetcars may be running the full length of Canal
Street by the start of Mardi Gras thanks to the loan of a portable electric
substation by Boston’s MBTA. The unit, mounted on a 60-ft. (18.3 meter)
trailer, was purchased by the MBTA in 1984 for emergency backup but has been
unused for years. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA),
needing temporary replacements for its hurricane-battered traction power
system, went on a nationwide search for equipment. The MBTA was the only
agency with a transportable substation that could provide the 600-volt power
used by NORTA’s streetcars. “In this case, age was on our side,” MBTA
general manager Daniel A. Grabauskas told The Boston Globe. He was
referring to both the Boston and New Orleans transit systems, which date
back to the early days of electrification. The three-transformer unit was
sent to a firm in Virginia for some maintenance work and was due in New
Orleans by Feb. 4. If the substation is needed back in Boston, it can be
returned on five days notice. NORTA hopes to restore service on both the
full Canal Street line and the branch to City Park. Streetcar service began
on the Riverfront Line and along a portion of Canal last Dec. 18.
Web site: www.norta.com |
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