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June 13, 2004

Switching Back

There are times when streetcars are unable to complete their full run on the line. The reasons for this are numerous: An accident further along the line, a special event like a Carnival parade, or possibly a construction project.

Unlike buses, streetcars can’t just go around an obstruction on the line. They have to stop and wait until the obstruction is cleared. To make sure that obstructions don’t create chaos, a number of crossovers are built into the tracks. On May 29th, the Canal line was blocked from Baronne to Carondelet for the grand opening ceremonies. The riverbound Von Dullen cars had to stop at Liberty Street, unload their passengers. The operators then moved the cars down Canal past the crossing and change the car’s direction by switching the trolley pole on top that contacts the overhead wire. Once the car is operating lakebound the operator then “switches back” through the crossing to the lakebound track.

When riding the St. Charles line, it’s easy to tell where the crossing tracks are, because there is a distinct sound when the streetcar moves over the crossing. If you stand at St. Charles and Josephine streets, for example, you’ll hear it. The Canal line, with its concrete roadbead under the grass and topsoil, is a different story. The streetcars simply glide through the crossings.

Posted by Edward J. Branley at June 13, 2004 7:37 PM

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