New Orleans breaks ground on new streetcar line

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) and city officials kicked off construction on a new 1.6-mile North Rampart Street/St. Claude Avenue Streetcar project.

The new line will connect the French Quarter and Treme to Canal Street and Loyola Avenue via the network of streetcar lines in the city.

"New Orleans’ streetcar system is the envy of the world and an enduring icon for our city," said Mayor Mitchell Landrieu. "The Rampart/St. Claude Streetcar extension will continue this great tradition by enhancing mobility options for riders, improve connectivity to our historic neighborhoods, and spur economic development."

In addition to track installation on the inside lane on both sides of the street, the project includes underground utility upgrades/relocation, asphalt and concrete restoration/replacement, installation of historically accurate street lights, traction power and overhead electric cable system, traffic signalization upgrades, six covered shelter stops and new landscaping. A dedicated bike lane will be marked on the lake-side of the street.

Streetcars that will run on the line will come from streetcar stock that currently operates along the Loyola and Canal Street lines.