High Speed Rail

Definition

• MPH minimum speed normally 124 MPH.
• Less than 124 MPH referred to as “Higher Speed Rail”.
• USA “Higher Speed Rail” average is 99 MPH.
• Acela (Boston – DC) does hit 150 MPH for short distance. Limited by structural issues.

Comparative Data

• As of 2022 779.8 B passenger KM on HSR.
• EEC & Asia have 24,000 miles HSR
• China going to 43,000 miles by 2035 CY
• USA has 49 miles of HSR

o48th place worldwide

oJapanese study – HSR good alternative to air for distances up  to 620 miles.

• New study expected to show 800-900 miles
• Cruise at 221 MPH
• EEC new trains minimum 155 MPH upgraded minimum 124 MPH

Costs

• PwC Study of 20 European projects

oAll costs converted to GBP at exchange rates at the time (2011)

oStudy did not include use of existing freight or passenger tracks as not considered HSR

oRoutes covered totaled 3,400 KM

oInclude costs for stations, and depots

• Studied Surface (for rural), Elevated, and Tunnels

oNew construction, not sharing with current rail

• Average cost range between GBP 11m per route KM – GBP 79m
• Tunnel costs ranged between GBP 72m per route KM and GBP 93m

oTunnel average cost was GBP 79

oDoes not include costs for any real estate fees or property fees

oRural  routes can be delivered between GBP 11m – GBP 20m per KM

oHigh density urban routes can be delivered between GBP 43 – 62 per KM

USA History

• USA rail system 2nd most profitable in the world

oSingapore number 1

• Swiss study evaluating rail capability and plans rated USA “C”.
• Historical Funding

o1965 – High Speed Ground Transportation Act. Fell Flat

o2011 & 2012 VP Biden proposed $53 B – Failed

o2021 – “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act”

²$1 Trillion

²$66 Billion for rail to modernize Amtrak, replace bridges & tunnels

²$3.07B  Cal HSR, $3 B Brightline West

²Alstom (French) building trains manufacturing trains for Amtrak – fastest in USA

²Speed limited due to  rail limitations

USA Planned Requirements 

oHSR Express right-of-way

oDestination 200 – 600 miles

oMin top speed 150 MPH

oGrade-separated

oDedicated right-of-way

oIntended to relieve air and highway congestion

• High Speed Rail – Regional

oDistance 100 – 500 miles

oMin Top Speeds 125 – 150 MPH

oGrade separated

oSome dedicated track

• Emerging HSR

oDistances 100 – 500 miles

oMin top Speeds 90 – 110 MPH

oPrimarily Shared Track

• Different States have different (higher) expectations

USA Challenges 

• Rail tracks and bridges old and need improvement

oMany currently  in place originally erected in 50’ and 60’s

oTrack  beds have support  limitations

• Traffic interruption using current technology
• Railroads reluctant to use Accelerated Bridge Construction Technology (ABC)

oUsed extensively in Asia and Europe

oEnables new bridges to be erected or old bridges replaced more quickly and less impact on traffic (rail or road)

oUniversities and other organizations promoting

• Existing “Higher” Speed Rail rely on existing structure

oNot capable of meeting targeted HSP requirements

Potential Solutions For USA

• Bridge replacement for existing rail

Potential Solutions For USA

Urban

• Traffic Interruption Using ABC Methodology

Potential Solutions

Rural Rail Traffic Interruption Using ABC

High  Speed Rail

Planning Considerations

• Targeted Segment –” High Speed” or “Higher Speed”
• Location – Rural or Urban or both
• Destination(s) and distance between
• Targeted Operating Speed

oHSR Express

oHSR Regional

oHSR Emerging

oRequirements of an individual state and operate only within that state

• Importance of traffic interruption

oDuring construction

oWhen in operation

• Importance of traffic interruption when in operation