New Orleans - Streetcar Status
 

Heading down for Jazz Fest in two weeks. Does anyone know the status of the St. Charles Avenue streetcar? Last I heard, it wasn't running, but thought I'd check.

from RTA:

St. Charles Streetcar Line Update
Although work has begun on replacing the poles, pole foundations, and the overhead electrical system on the St. Charles Line, the complete project will not be finished until late 2007. The overhead system was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina. However, the Central Business District loop of the St. Charles streetcar line (from Carondelet and Canal Streets to Lee Circle) resumes operation starting December 19, 2006, 7 days a week, from 9 am to 6 pm. In addition, the St. Charles streetcars are running on both the Canal Street line and the Riverfront line. Because all 24 Canal streetcars and six of the seven Riverfront streetcars were flooded, the historic green cars, which all survived, are running on both lines. If you want to see the attractions on St. Charles Avenue and Carrollton Avenue, take the RTA St. Charles bus, which operates on the same route that the St. Charles streetcars did before Katrina. For route and schedule information, access the Routes section on this Web site.

I've heard that PART of the line (maybe to the Garden District) may be ready late summer, with the rest in December. The "official" line is still the late 2007 date, of course.

Thanks. Looks like I'll be taking the bus (or driving) to Camellia Grill -- which I hear (rumor?) reopens on 4/20.

Oh glad to know Camilia Grill is reopening. That is one place I have never taken my sons and I felt so guilty about it after it closed. That's definitely on my list for this summer!

Yes, Camellia Grill is reopening. It was on the news night before last.

The St. Charles streetcar line has a LONG WAY to go. My DD lives near Carrollton Station, where the cars are stored, and they all look great - new paint, shiny, and ready to go! :)