The final concrete pour that would mark the completion of the rail system’s 2.7 mile loop for Atlanta Streetcar’s Guideway took place on Peachtree Street at Auburn Avenue and Broad street at 9 a.m. on March 25, according to the City of Atlanta’s website.
The guideway construction began on March 20, 2013 on Edgewood Avenue and Jackson Street according to the website.
“Construction is processing well. Concrete has been poured on Edgewood at Park Place and it should re-open to traffic by the middle of March 21st,” the traffic update provided on March 17 by the Atlanta Streetcar’s official website says.
The traffic update also states that Auburn between Bell and Fort Street has re-opened, however access to Broad Street through Peachtree remains closed.
“Access through Peachtree is still closed, but we expect to have it reopened soon. After today’s pour we need to refinish the asphalt that was torn up during construction. Our weekly traffic updates provide the most up=to-date information on detours – you can find these on our website and on our Facebook page,” Sharon Gavin the Communications Director for Atlanta Streetcar said.
Along with the final concrete being poured, there were also construction crew members woking on the building that the streetcar would stop at and placements of overhead wires to power the cars.
“In addition to the construction activities you’ll see on the streets, we’re also in the process of finishing putting up the poles and arms that will hold the overhead wires that will provide power to the streetcars. This work may involve additional lane closures for brief periods of time. We expect to have this work completed by the end of April and anticipate having the Streetcars out testing on the system in May,” Gavin said.
Gavin also said that there will be two additional Atlanta streetcars arriving in early may and then testing on the system will happen afterwords.
“This will be a time for everyone, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, to get familiar with how the streetcars look, sound and operate in traffic,” she said.
Gavin also said the cars are electric and quiet so there will be a public education campaign to help teach individuals how to use the system and the importance of remaining attentive to surroundings on the streetcar route.
“The Atlanta Streetcar will be a great addition to the Downtown area, making it more walkable and accessible and we’re all looking forward to the system opening this summer,” she said.
