Tuesday, June 9, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Ursula Miller, ursula.miller@cincinnati-oh.gov, or 513-352-3417
CINCINNATI – Property owners, contractors, utility companies and others working near high-voltage wires that power the Cincinnati Streetcar are now required to complete a request form as part of the process to obtain a right-of-way permit from the City of Cincinnati. The information gathered on this form will help insure both safe work in the right-of-way as well safe streetcar operation in the future.
The overhead wire, which carries a 750-volt DC electric current, must be de-energized before anyone can work within 10 feet below, beside or above it. The lines are suspended 20 feet above the streetcar track and will stretch along the entire 3.6-mile route to provide power for the streetcar.
“Safety is critically important for anyone working near any high-voltage wires,” said Michael Moore, Director of the Department of Transportation and Engineering. “This form adds oversight in our permitting process to make sure that work in the right-of-way near the wire is done safely.”
Now that MPD, the joint venture building the streetcar route, has installed the track, wire, power substations and other major components in Over-the-Rhine, it is preparing to test the power supply for the full loop. The OTR loop runs from Elm and 12th streets at Washington Park north to Henry Street north of Findlay Market and south on Race to 12th Street and back to Elm and 12th.
The downtown loop, still under construction, will run south on Walnut from Central Parkway to Second Street at The Banks and north on Main to 12th Street.
Streetcar Construction Countdown
The Cincinnati streetcar’s 3.6-mile route will carry passengers from The Banks on the riverfront north, through Downtown to north of Findlay Market in Over-the-Rhine. A major portion of the route’s construction is complete. Following is the estimated time table for what remains to be built before the streetcar goes into service for passengers in fall 2016:
· Construction and testing of OTR loop: July 2015
· Power Testing of OTR loop: Underway
· First streetcar vehicle arrives on site and begins testing on OTR loop: Fall 2015
· Track installation on the downtown loop: November 2015
· Remaining construction of downtown loop (stops, shelters, power poles, and wires, paving, signage and signals): Winter/Spring 2016
· Final testing of downtown and OTR loops: Spring/Summer 2016
· Passenger service to begin: September 2016
About The Cincinnati Streetcar
The Cincinnati Streetcar is a modern streetcar rail transit system intended to stimulate development, expand transportation options, and enhance livability by connecting key communities in and around the center city. The system, which is scheduled to begin passenger service in September 2016, consists of a 3.6-mile loop extending from The Banks to Findlay Market through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.
Construction for the Cincinnati Streetcar is being carefully coordinated by the City of Cincinnati with its contractor, utility companies, Metro, and other partners to minimize disruption to residents, businesses and workers along the route. This transportation system seeks to bring more residents and more jobs to Cincinnati, creating a broader tax base to fund city services.