Streetcar construction was taken to new heights as the crews completed the first stretch of wiring that will power the streetcar.

The first sections of overhead contact system, or OCS, go along Elm Street from 12th Street to Henry Street.

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The wire carries a 750 volt DC. The wires hang about 20 feet off the ground but project executive John Deatrick still wants people to be on guard.

The line carries a strong electric current and Deatrick said you should always assume it's live.

That's why there's a city permit that you have to get if you're going to work around that wire, said Deatrik.

Along with the city permit for anyone doing construction or utility work near the wire, a metro permit will also have to be secured. Anyone seeking those permits will also be required to go through safety training.

Rhinegeist Brewery is along the streetcar route. People working there were excited to see the wires when they got in to work on Wednesday.

I moved here back in August when they were tearing apart the pavement to put in the tracks. And now that the lines are coming up it's pretty cool to see that this is actually progressing. And before you know it we're going to have a stop right in front of the brewery, so that's pretty fun to see, said Luis Gallardo.

The streetcar is expected to be up and running by September 2016.

Read more:
Crews install first stretch of streetcar wires along Elm Street

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January 31, 2015 at 8:53 am by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Wiring Installation