After a few delays with competing construction projects and Mardi Gras, crews and contractors in February began rebuilding this historic transportation infrastructure, which includes our overhead catenary power lines. The construction phase is expected to be completed by the end of March, followed by six weeks of training and testing. The Canal Streetcar line will resume service a couple weeks after the construction phase ends.

Here is what you can expect over the next several weeks:

• Canal Street lake-bound lanes at Rampart Street are closed for the duration of the construction phase.
• Canal Street vehicle traffic is reduced to one lane in both directions; expect delays.
• Rampart Street vehicle traffic towards Uptown is detoured to Basin Street at Bienville Street; expect delays.
• Canal Streetcars currently are ending service to downtown at Canal and LaSalle streets. Bus service will be provided on Canal Street between LaSalle Street and Harrah’s New Orleans Casino.

Here is the construction timeline:

• February 19: Construction begins
• March 31: Construction completed
• April 1: Training and testing begin for the St. Claude-Rampart line
• April 15: Canal Streetcar service resumes to Mississippi River
• May 31: St. Claude-Rampart streetcar service to resume

As with all construction, changes are inevitable, and RTA will communicate any changes – particularly those that will cause project delays – as they arise. Riders who have questions about their transit routes should call our Rideline team at (504) 248-3900 or email comments@norta.com.
 

• The RTA contractor will start by repairing the damaged poles adjacent to the Hard Rock Hotel Site.
• Crews will then work to restore the overhead wires starting at Elysian Fields and work towards Canal.
• We will have some minor disruptions along the Canal Streetcar from Rampart to Elks Place toward the end of the project. But overall, there will be limited disruptions to service.