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LOOP TROLLEY PREPARES TO ENERGIZE SYSTEM, OVERHEAD WIRES

Power-up tests represent important step in system testing and trolley deployment

ST. LOUIS, April 21, 2017 . . . Next week marks an important milestone for The Loop Trolley as crews electrify the wires that will power the trolleys and the wires officially go LIVE. Testing of the traction power substation and overhead wires will occur the week of April 24th. Crews will be visible along the tracks on Tuesday as final preparations are made to power up the system and assess any hazards. The testing will continue through Friday, with all work to take place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Once this testing begins, all wires are considered “hot” and electrified at all times, and the public will need to be mindful of the related safety precautions.

With the energization of the overhead, or catenary wires, The Loop Trolley project officially transitions from its construction phase into the system testing phase in preparation for revenue operations later this year. The existing multiple grounding and bonding used during construction will be removed and a single point of grounding and bonding will be installed at the Headquarters facility. More than 16,000 feet of overhead wire runs along the 2.2 mile trolley route, carrying 600 volts of direct current power from the substation through them to power the trolley.

“Approval of the energy system is an important step in our progress,” said Kevin Barbeau, executive director of The Loop Trolley Company, which will operate the trolleys. “At the same time, it’s important that everyone understand these wires should be considered ‘live’ going forward, and that caution be exercised around the wires and system.”

In the event of any incident that would result in a downed wire along the trolley route, any member of the public coming upon the downed wire is reminded to ALWAYS call 911 immediately to notify emergency personnel.

For any work to be done to the buildings, street lights, or utilities along the Loop Trolley route, notification must be given to the Loop Trolley Company for verification of power. Any such work that would be within 15 feet of the nearest streetcar track and/or overhead wires will need to be carefully planned, executed and permitted. The Loop Trolley Company has coordinated efforts with the City of St. Louis and University City to have the Loop Trolley added to their respective permit programs and links to both cities and their permit systems can be found here. Representatives from The Loop Trolley Company are available to meet with individuals planning work, on site, to discuss the details, equipment to be used, space needed and any other aspect of the job. This process applies to all work or activities that may take place on Delmar Blvd., between Kingsland and DeBaliviere, and on DeBaliviere, between Delmar Blvd. and the History Museum in Forest Park.

The need for special permits also applies to community organizations, businesses and neighborhood associations that may be working or hosting an event that would have elements that come within the same close proximity to the streetcar track and overhead wires. Examples could include the erecting of a large tent or the hanging of banners/signage from a building or pedestrian light poles.

“Our goal is to help ensure the public’s safety in regards to trolley movement or any component in the trolley system,” notes Barbeau.
To learn more about The Loop Trolley and sign up for future updates regarding testing dates, additional milestones reached and future grand opening plans, visit LoopTrolley.com.

The Loop Trolley will run a total of 2.2 miles through the Delmar Loop, along Delmar Blvd. and continue on DeBaliviere Ave., 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 attractions to experience along the route as they enjoy both the country’s “#1 City Park” and “One of the 10 Great Streets in America.”

Owned by The Loop Trolley Transportation Development District and operated by The Loop Trolley Company, The Loop Trolley promotes connectivity, environmentally friendly transportation and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods to enhance quality of life, increase tourism and help spur economic development. 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.