City considers new route for downtown streetcar; some say it will negatively impact summer festivals

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Business Journal is reporting the city of Milwaukee is considering a new route for the downtown streetcar project in an effort to save "significant money" on construction costs. The new route is creating concerns when it comes to events like Jazz in the Park -- held in Cathedral Square Park, the Business Journal says.

The current plan involves a streetcar route that would run east and west on Wells Street between Broadway and Jackson Street.

The problem? There are a lot of underground utilities below Wells Street that would be costly to move.

So the Business Journal says engineers are considering an alternative -- moving the west-bound streetcar track from Wells Street onto Kilbourn Avenue.

The problem? Kilbourn Avenue is closed to traffic for festivals held in Cathedral Square Park -- like Jazz in the Park. The roadway is closed between Jackson and Jefferson streets when the weekly Jazz in the Park events are held. A longer stretch is closed during Bastille Days in July.

How daily streetcar service on that stretch will affect the festivals must be worked out if the route changes.

The alternative route was discussed last week with a city streetcar task force that is overseeing the project.

The Business Journal reports the Milwaukee Department of Public Works will discuss the alternative route this week with the East Town Association, which organizes Bastille Days, Jazz in the Park and other events.