I read this as a “good news” story despite the proposed timeline, lack of some pertinent studies, and uncertain funding forecasts. Populations have steadily increased over 60+ years while mass transportation options have consistently been tentative at best and in retreat at worst. Increasing passenger rail service can offer some significant life benefits, particularly if businesses encourage employees to travel by rail.
I think there's a lot of speculation that a third track is planned and funded from DC to Richmond. That is not the case.
They are only building the third Track on the easiest lower cost sections. There is probably about a dozen bridges going over roads and waterways that would have to be built for a continues third track from Spotsy to DC. Many of the existing bridges should be replaced at the same time the third track is built. Some of the bridges should be raised at the same time, like Harrell Road, Brooke Road or the track at Widewater that is only about 10' above sea level. Those costs are going to be many billions of dollars.
Adding a third track in sections allows trains to pass each other on sections of the line, but it also adds to logistical and safety issues of having two trains on the same line that are going head on towards each other or going different speeds to overtake the slow moving trains.
The Rails will remain at limited capacity for freight trains to run on the two tracks. Currently there are about 80 trains per day or roughly a train every 18 minutes. There has to be time between trains or a fast moving train would run into a slower moving train. Adding to the rail congestion on the two tracks could add to delays and create unsafe conditions. Freight trains that travel 1,000 miles or more should have the priority to the VRE trains that travel 60 miles. The trucks take a long time to accelerate with the stop and go traffic that often occurs. Taking those trucks off the roads will help relieve the congestion.
Elected officials need to realize the rails are currently at capacity and shouldn't try to force out the freight trains with more VRE trains until they have a multi-billion dollar funding plan to build a third track between DC and Richmond.
BTW, It's not a good idea to build high density housing next to the main Heavy Rail Line on the East Coast. Evacuating thousands of people from a toxic spill would add to the disaster.
I read this as a “good news” story despite the proposed timeline, lack of some pertinent studies, and uncertain funding forecasts. Populations have steadily increased over 60+ years while mass transportation options have consistently been tentative at best and in retreat at worst. Increasing passenger rail service can offer some significant life benefits, particularly if businesses encourage employees to travel by rail.
I think there's a lot of speculation that a third track is planned and funded from DC to Richmond. That is not the case.
They are only building the third Track on the easiest lower cost sections. There is probably about a dozen bridges going over roads and waterways that would have to be built for a continues third track from Spotsy to DC. Many of the existing bridges should be replaced at the same time the third track is built. Some of the bridges should be raised at the same time, like Harrell Road, Brooke Road or the track at Widewater that is only about 10' above sea level. Those costs are going to be many billions of dollars.
Adding a third track in sections allows trains to pass each other on sections of the line, but it also adds to logistical and safety issues of having two trains on the same line that are going head on towards each other or going different speeds to overtake the slow moving trains.
The Rails will remain at limited capacity for freight trains to run on the two tracks. Currently there are about 80 trains per day or roughly a train every 18 minutes. There has to be time between trains or a fast moving train would run into a slower moving train. Adding to the rail congestion on the two tracks could add to delays and create unsafe conditions. Freight trains that travel 1,000 miles or more should have the priority to the VRE trains that travel 60 miles. The trucks take a long time to accelerate with the stop and go traffic that often occurs. Taking those trucks off the roads will help relieve the congestion.
Elected officials need to realize the rails are currently at capacity and shouldn't try to force out the freight trains with more VRE trains until they have a multi-billion dollar funding plan to build a third track between DC and Richmond.
BTW, It's not a good idea to build high density housing next to the main Heavy Rail Line on the East Coast. Evacuating thousands of people from a toxic spill would add to the disaster.
Great news. Looking forward to it.