Carrollton Station basically is on a ridge, and the cars there came through Katrina more-or-less fine. The Canal Street barn in mid-city is appreciably lower, and the cars there sustained heavy damage during Katrina. Sufficient space probably exists in and around Carrollton Station to store most, if not all, of the active streetcars. It just takes a little more time and planning to get them there.
Beyond that, I am not sure it makes much sense to go to such lengths as you propose to protect the streetcars specifically. The cost would be pretty high compared to the value of the assets. Protecting stuff like that piecemeal just doesn't make much sense. Measures to protect the region as a whole make more sense. The ability to close the mouths of the drainage canals is one very good improvement already completed. In the near future, the closing of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet will help some areas. Intermediate-range, and what I think is the most imperative, would be to install massive gates to close the Rigolets and Chef Menteur passes; if you keep the water level in Lake Ponchartrain much lower, the risk of flooding to the city (and also to much of the north shore) is much less. Of course, long term, coastal restoration through fresh-water diversion and similar projects is also very important.
Any system with subways below potential flood levels is certainly subject to possible flood damage. NYC, Boston, Pittsburgh and SF come immediately to mind.
"The only other city that may be subject to floding damage is Tampa."
How did you arrive at that conclusion?
Now that the restoration of six N.O. red cars is complete and the other cars are being restored has NOPSC (now NORTA) done anything to provide a more safe area for all their equipment? I would think that a secure storage area(S) should already be built and have a high revetment to protect the cars and equipped with diesel pumps to protect any storage areas. Has anyone heard if this is being done? maybe the Carrolton Street barn has enough storage capacity. I cannot remember. This cost certainly would be less and the ability to start back in service quickly is very important. The only other city that may be subject to floding damage is Tampa.
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