New Orleans readies streetcar extension work
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefNew Orleans’ Regional Transit Authority next week expects to select one of six bids submitted for extending streetcar service along Loyola Avenue to link Canal Street with Union Passenger Terminal.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is scheduled join city officials for a ceremonial ground-breaking on June 7 and, barring complications, RTA officials expect construction of the 1.5-mile, $45 million extension to begin by midsummer. The agency hopes to begin revenue service about 12 months later.
The new route will use surplus streetcars from the Canal Street and Riverfront lines.
Local media report that since the project was announced last year, hotel renovations, apartments, and retail projects have been springing up along the strip.
