A U.S. federal disrict judge has rejected a request by anti-rail activists to block construction of streetcar right-of-way along North Rampart Street and St. Claude Avenue in New Orleans' French Quarter.
The move clears the way for work to resume on the project, which began earlier this month. Construction of the new line is slated for completion in mid-2016, according to the Regional Transit Authority (RTA).
Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, in a ruling Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, said those objecting did not present enough proof to validate a restraining order against the RTA and Transdev, the private contractor overseeing the expansion project.
Local media reported last week that a coalition of historic preservationists and property owners along the 1.6-mile route demanded environmental studies and historical reviews before any construction took place. Work on the project was halted last week prior to the judge's dismissal of the request.
Opponents of the streetcar extension say they will continue to move against the project through other means.