The $42.16-million project included 1.6 miles of double track, station platforms, a traction power substation (TPSS), overhead catenary system, street lighting, fiber optic and signal systems and relocation of nearly 9,500 linear ft of utilities. Two pieces of special track work were required, one entailing a nonstop 30-day dual shift. 

Major challenges were utility installation and traffic control. Because of the city’s aging underground infrastructure, the team had to locate and replace century-old lines while working in a tight street corridor with 23 intersections.

Choosing unconventional hydro-excavation prevented destruction of underground utilities and enhanced the safety and protection of the crews and avoided utility outages.

A 140-ft-long tractor-trailer rig transported the TPSS at night through the narrow French Quarter streets to the hillside site, just 350 ft from the then-flooding Mississippi River.

Preplanning, resourcefulness and attention to quality resulted in delivery of the tracks under budget and on time in September 2017.

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