Lane Closure to Occasionally Make Space for Detroit's QLine Streetcar

"The right southbound lane of Woodward next to Little Caesars Arena will close during all major events in downtown Detroit starting Tuesday," according to an article in the Detroit Free Press.

"The closure is being done as a safety precaution and to ensure that the QLine light rail system runs smoothly, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation."

Although there is mention of pedestrians using designated crosswalks and obeying traffic signals, the main reason for the lane closure is listed as cars parking illegaly on QLine tracks.

Cars parking on streetcar tracks are hardly a problem confined to Detroit, although cities have reacted differently to the obstacles and interference arising when streetcars and driver interact. In Cincinnati, the struggling streetcar system is hobbled by drivers that can interrupt streetcar service with very little concern for punitive action. In Toronto, however, planners removed cars from the equation and reaped the ridership rewards.