First of The Loop Trolley Cars to Make Debut on Tracks for Testing
What you need to know about Trolley Car 001 testing on the tracks
Testing along the tracks to take place this Sunday; no street closures planned, but those traveling in The Loop area may experience some delays and are urged to follow all parking restrictions
Initial testing of Trolley 001 will begin on Sunday morning and include pushing and pulling of the trolley car by truck, while crews check the clearance of the vehicle with the platforms, curbs, corners and overhead wires. Crews will also conduct visibility checks with the vehicle and the surrounding environment.
WHEN: Sunday, March 26 - Testing will start at approximately 5 a.m. and will last for several hours; timing and work subject to change.
WHERE: Initial testing will start at The Loop Trolley Headquarters and the trolley will head west on Delmar to the end of the tracks by the University City Library, just past Kingsland Avenue. From there, the trolley will switch directions and head east back down Delmar, then south on DeBaliviere to the Missouri History Museum, before reversing directions to head back to The Loop Trolley Headquarters. Along sections of Delmar, the trolley is designed to run on rails in the street along with regular traffic, while the tracks east of Hodiamont Avenue and along DeBaliviere are in the protected median.
SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first time since arriving in St. Louis in February that Trolley Car 001 will be visible out on the tracks; however, it won’t be moving under its own power. At this time, it will be pulled and pushed along the trolley route by a truck. The public is urged to keep a safe distance from the crews while tests are being performed. Public viewing and media presence is discouraged while the vehicle is in active traffic on the western section of the alignment. Drivers also are being reminded that vehicles cannot be parked on the tracks, must avoid ‘No Parking’ areas, and be within white lines designating on-street parking spaces along the trolley route. Any vehicles parked on the tracks or impeding the trolley’s movement during this time will be towed. No street closures are planned during the testing, but the trolley car, along with the lead and trailing vehicle, will be traveling slowly during this testing phase. Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to be patient as testing progresses and to keep an eye out for safety crews and flaggers directing traffic as warranted. Additional tips for staying safe in the vicinity of the trolley and tracks can be found at www.LoopTrolley.com.
The Loop Trolley is a 2.2-mile, fixed-route, electrically powered, heritage trolley that will link St. Louis City and County in an exciting new way, connecting people and neighborhoods, the past and the present. From restaurants and shopping to entertainment, recreation and the arts, riders will be able to take in the multitude of things to do along the route as they enjoy both the country’s “#1 City Park” and “One of the 10 Great Streets in America.”
For details, visit www.looptrolley.com, where residents can sign up to receive regular updates via email, call 314-725-2115 or email info@looptrolley.com. For additional information, like the Loop Trolley on Facebook at facebook.com/looptrolley or follow the organization on Twitter @LoopTrolley.Remember the following tips when navigating along the trolley route by vehicle:
• Don’t pass a trolley that’s traveling in front of you in the same lane – It’s ILLEGAL.
• Don’t stop or park on or over the trolley tracks – It’s ILLEGAL.
• Always park inside designated spaces to avoid being ticketed or towed.
• Don’t drive or park on diagonal or white-striped safety markings – It’s ILLEGAL.