Several modern streetcar systems have been designed and implemented in the USA. Recently, the Portland streetcar extensions to River Place and Gibbs Street have been opened for revenue operation and construction for the Seattle South Lake Union streetcar project just got started. Installation of these new streetcar systems in dense urban areas like Portland and Seattle downtown areas posed several design challenges such as installation of the overhead contact wire system, coordination with street lighting, interface with traffic signal, streetcar-trolley bus crossings, and substation location sites. Other issues include connection to the 480 VAC utility system, stray currents, and utility relocations.These challenges and issues will be discussed in this paper. Construction packaging and cost impacts will also be covered.
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