streetcar

Hop On Cincinnati is hoping local leaders will 'hop onto' the idea of creating a Downtown trolley.

The idea is to connect entertainment and attractions across Downtown and Mt. Adams. Hop On Cincinnati says the goal is increasing the downtown renaissance by connecting people to places.

Cincinnati's City manager said Friday the city is close to awarding a contract to build the streetcar project.

Milton Dohoney, Jr. said in a memo the streetcar project has sufficient funding to allow it to proceed.

He said city administrators are in the final stages of discussions with a partnership involving Cincinnati-based Messer Construction and Prus/Delta Railroad JV.

Some preliminary construction work on the Cincinnati streetcar project will result in a downtown street closing this weekend.

Duke Energy will be working at the intersection of Fifth and Walnut Streets to relocate underground electric facilities, according to a press release from the city.

The closures will begin Friday at 6 p.m. and remain in place until Monday at 6 a.m.

West Fifth Street will be closed between Vine and Main.  Walnut Street will be closed between East Sixth and East Fourth.

Cincinnati Council is ready to give city administrators an additional $17.4 million to build the first phase of the much debated streetcar project.  

The Budget and Finance Committee approved the extra money Monday with a 5-4 vote.  The full Council will consider it Wednesday.  

The additional funds are coming from a variety of sources including other capital accounts and more bonding.  

Council Member Yvette Simpson remains supportive of the streetcar.