For this edition of Streetcar Topics, we will cover one of the current utility projects along the corridor, the East Utilities Project. This includes sewer, water and electrical work on Harney and Farnam (between 28th and 10th streets) and the downtown loop, where the streetcars will return back west via Harney Street, 10th Street, Capitol Avenue, 8th Street, and Farnam Street. Work started at the 10th & Capitol Avenue intersection in early August.
As of this writing, there are closures to lanes on 10th Street between Dodge Street and Capitol Avenue, on 10th Street north of Capitol Avenue, and on Capitol Avenue west of 10th Street. These closures are for water main and sewer work. Due to weather delays and unexpected, abandoned utilities found, the closure is anticipated to last into early September. Water main work will continue south on 10th Street, and additional closures will be required.
In early September, water main and sewer work will begin on Farnam Street between 10th and 14th streets. Pedestrian access is being prioritized in all areas as best as possible to allow people to access the businesses.
Utility relocation will be executed in a phased approach throughout the project duration. This is necessary because different utilities (water, sewer and electrical) often require separate crews, specialized equipment and sequential steps for their relocation. As a result, you can anticipate various types of work occurring on the street at different times, rather than a single, continuous effort. This will be slightly different from track work along the corridor, which will begin next year and should be a more uniform process. Although it will require additional attention at specific streets to provide access to the streetcar stops and improvements related to the streetscape.
In the Capitol District, where this work is currently being done, there will be a streetcar stop just east of 10th Street on Capitol Avenue to access the CHI Health Center (convention center and arena facility). This will also allow people to access the Luminarium and Riverfront Park area to the northeast. The streetcar operations and vehicle maintenance facility is currently being constructed just east of here, where operators will start and end their work and streetcar vehicles will be cleaned and maintained. Another stop will be located on 8th Street just north of Douglas for easy access to the Riverfront Parks and the future Children’s Museum…