Residents give streetcar plan mixed reviews

Residents seek answers at a hearing about the Wave system.

FORT LAUDERDALE — Streetcar stops and tracks for the Wave will be built down the middle of South Andrews Avenue when construction begins on the light rail transit system later this year.

Platforms and extended medians will eliminate left turns into or out of some side streets, project managers said during a public forum Wednesday night. However, they indicated plans might be modified after neighbors and business owners voiced concerns about access.

“All of these areas are still under evaluation,” said Matt Gibson, an engineering consultant. “That’s why we’re holding this meeting, to get your comments.”

The $195.3 million streetcar system, scheduled for completion in late 2020, will roll along a 2.8-mile loop of tracks powered by wires strung about 20 feet above the street. It will run between Sistrunk Boulevard and the 1800 block of South Andrews Avenue.

It will stop near the Brightline train station, the neighboring bus terminal, downtown college campuses, the Fort Lauderdale Art Museum, Riverfront, the government center, the main library, Las Olas Boulevard, the courthouse and Broward Health Medical Center.

Some platforms, medians and crosswalks are planned along South Andrews Avenue at 14th, 13th, 10th and Eighth streets, as well as Rose Drive, and 11th Court. The raised medians will be landscaped or concrete.

WAYNE ROUSTAN/STAFF