Modern Tram Proposal Taking Shape in Baton Rouge

"City-parish authorities on Monday revealed their preferred route for the proposed Baton Rouge tram: a direct line between Tiger Stadium and the State Capitol," reports Steve Hardy. The decision on a preferred route also sets the preferred location for ten proposed station locations.

"With a route selected, crews can finish the environmental assessments, design the construction plans in greater detail and assemble a financial plan," reports Hardy, sharing information from the consulting team on the project.

Hardy also offers perspective on how the Baton Rouge project compares to other streetcar propjects around the country:

"The total cost of construction could be in the area of $150 million to $200 million, he said, pointing to other recent streetcar projects. The Tucson, Arizona, Sunlink, built in 2014, cost $197 million. Detroit’s M-1 Rail is expected to cost about $167 million by the time construction concludes later this year. However, both of those projects are slightly longer than the Baton Rouge route, which will require 5.7 miles of track."

The article includes more details about the planning process so far and next steps in realizing the Baton Rouge tram.