Citing a congressional ban on overhead wires and an interest in preserving the traditional character of the nation’s capital, a regional planning body has urged the District to power its planned streetcar network with technology other than hanging electric lines.
The National Capital Planning Commission Thursday approved the final site and building plans for a 1.3-mile streetcar line running from the Anacostia Metro Station to Bolling Air Force Base, via South Capitol Street. The commission also approved plans for street and sidewalk reconstruction along H Street Northeast between Third and 14th streets, a “Great Streets” project that is slated to include the installation of tracks for a future streetcar line.
But as part of its decision, the NCPC also “encouraged” the District Department of Transportation to investigate alternative power technology for streetcars, as federal law prohibits overhead wires in the historic downtown — generally bounded by Florida Avenue to the north, Georgetown to the west and the Anacostia River to the east. DDOT is expected to power its cars with single overhead lines.
“In the historic L’Enfant City, there are no overhead wires in the street right-of-way,” said Christine Saum, director of the commission’s Urban Design and Plan Review Division. “We believe that’s one of the aspects of the character of the city that is worth preserving.”
There is no prohibition on overhead wires east of the Anacostia River, but H Street is covered by the ban.
“Overhead is the best available technology at present,” said Erik Linden, DDOT spokesman. “But yes, DDOT is already looking into best practices and advanced technology developed in this field. DDOT will continue to work to explore alternatives and study best practices.”
Streetcars were a popular mode of transportation in the District in the early to mid-20th Century, but the network was dismantled in the 1960s in favor of buses.
The old system used underground power for the downtown area and overhead wires east of the river.
The Anacostia demonstration project is slated for construction this year, while the H Street line is three to five years away. With streetcars, the District hopes to reduce traffic congestion and inner-city car trips while spurring economic development.
DDOT’s streetcars
» Seat 35 to 40 people
» Are roughly the same size as a Metrobus
» Have air conditioning and are handicapped accessible
» Travel 13 to 15 mph
