I find the Benning Road Streetcar design questionable

[Tritransit Area]

So, someone posted this link in a chatroom: http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2009/12/08/implementing-streetcars-demands-consideration-of-the-way-traffic-works/

They have quite a few diagrams of how the streetcar project along Benning Road is coming along, particularly with the track/street layout.  Apparently, every stop is going to be in the middle of the street, with the trolley tracks going down the left travel lane. 

Hmm....

One issue they point out is that if there is a long line of cars in the left lane, they can block the trolley.  This is quite valid.

What I wonder, however, is why they would build a system this way?  Many new start projects have their streetcar lines running along the right side of the road, and parking is eliminated.  I believe in DC and Southern MD, the right travel lane is also the parking lane.  Sometimes parking can be provided, but the trolley stops are little bulbs that extend out to the travel lane to meet the trolley.

Who oversaw this project?  Did they get any consultation from anyone that actually has a successful LRT system?

Check out these facebook images for updated pictures of the project: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=289162&id=175133555022#/album.php?aid=289162&id=175133555022

I can't believe they are doing all of this and there are no concrete plans.  No wonder people think there is a lot of wasteful gov't spending!

[Antozilla]

I agree