DTE Energy to power Detroit's streetcar

DTE Energy will power the QLINE — a 3.3-mile modern street car line on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. The line will be powered by four new traction power substations. In partnership with M-1 Rail and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the company also designed and constructed the new infrastructure that will power future business growth generated by the QLINE in the heart of the city.

The first substation was built in September with three remaining substations scheduled to be built by the end of 2016. The QLINE car is charged when an overhead arm on the car contacts the overhead catenary wire powered by a substation.

DTE Energy's investment in new infrastructure enables future load growth and makes it possible for the company to meet the electrical needs of expanding business spurred by the QLINE in Midtown, North End and New Center areas — from new housing developments and hotels to restaurants and retail.

The collaboration between DTE, M-1 Rail and MDOT began a year before the underground construction in an effort to detect potential challenges and identify solutions, which included building new manholes and the associated duct bank, laying 15,000 feet of new conduit, and repaving Woodward Ave. Their integrated, proactive approach to the project resulted in significant cost reductions and the completion of the project on schedule, according to the company.