A not-to-scale 1945 streetcar track map shows many changes in the system.
1945 streetcar track map
I found this 1945 streetcar track map on a blog called “NOLAgraphy.” That blog appears to be in suspended animation.
1945 NOPSI highlights
This diagram shows only streetcar tracks. R. S. Korach drew the map. While the map is not to scale, it offers NOPSI rail employees an easy to view layout of the system. The miles of track shown here dropped dramatically compared to the 1928 system map we presented a couple of weeks ago. NOPSI converted many of the lines to buses just before WWII. They resumed those conversions as soon as they had clearance from the War Department in late 1945.
The map shows the basic track flow around the streetcar barns like Arabella Station.
Usable but Unused
The diagram shows segments of track from lines converted to bus service. NOPSI left track on many streets.
- The tracks around the “ball park” would be near Pelican Stadium, at S. Carrollton and Tulane Avenues. The New Canal existed at this time. Streetcars crossed the canal near here. The purpose of those unused sections isn’t quite clear here.
- A second track existed on St. Charles and Camp Streets. The segments connected into a “U” via the outside track on Canal Street.
- Unused track on Ursulines Street remained after NOPSI converted the City Park line to buses.
- NOPSI discontinued belt service on Canal and Esplanade lines before the war. Esplanade then operated as a bus line. Usable streetcar track remained on Esplanade.
- Tracks with a passing siding connect Canal and Tulane at Dorgenois. The 1928 doesn’t show this connection.
- The diagram indicates that the outside track on the French Quarter side of Canal was unused at the time, with the exception of the Royal-Bourbon segment. Desire used this track to turn for the outbound run.
I have questions!
Decline of streetcars
As a visual tool, this map sums up the switch to buses. As a NOPSI map, many things on here require further research.
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