Loop Trolley construction looms (again)
Written by Douglas John BowenConstruction of the $43 million St. Louis Loop Trolley could begin next month, local officials said Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, countering mounting speculation that the project had stalled and was unlikely to survive.
Plans for the 2.2-mile route include 10 stations (up from nine originally proposed), and connect The loop to the Missouri History Museum. The route would connect with two Metrolink light rail transit (LRT) stops at Forest Park and Delmar Loop.
Streetcar supporters had hoped to begin construction last summer. Two GOMACO-built vintage trolleys acquired from Portland’s TriMet will provide service.
Local media report the Loop Trolley Transit Development District is working with Great Rivers Greenway to extend the multi-use paths of the St. Vincent Greenway to run adjacent to the trolley for much of the route, in contrast to often contentious friction between rail proposals and rails-to-trails advocates.
The line is funded by a 1-cent sales tax within district boundaries, as well as by tax credits, grants, tax-increment financing and private contributions.
