Development plans for a 33-mile high-speed train line linking Baltimore and DC in 15 minutes (for just $33), projected to cost $20 billion, are still moving forward as essential environmental and engineering studies are ongoing, according to a BizJournals on statements made by Bill Scott, president of Northeast Maglev LLC.
Maglev trains are magnetic levitating trains. The ultimate goal in the Northeast will be for the Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) to go from Washington DC to New York City in an hour. The Northeast Maglev states, “The Northeast Corridor is home to 17% of the US population and 20% of US jobs—all on a land area that represents just 2% of the United States. Travel between the major cities of the Northeast Corridor is predicted to increase by 115% by 2040. If we do not bring advanced transportation technology and new ways of thinking about transportation to the corridor, delays will only become worse.”
The process began with a study area between Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD defined by FRA and MDOT-MTA (photo of the area below). The study area was approximately 40 miles long and 10 miles wide – roughly bound on the west by Interstate 95 and on the east by the former Washington Baltimore & Annapolis Electric Railroad alignment. It included portions of the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Prince George’s County in Maryland, and Washington, DC.
Scott provided some updated information regarding the project, as shared by Biz Journals:
– The rail line is being designed to navigate 70% of its route, or 24 miles, through underground tunnels.
– Development of the system is expected to take eight years from the time construction begins.
– The underground tunnels will measure 50 feet in width, accommodating up to two maglev trains simultaneously.
– A new maglev station in Baltimore will be situated either at Cherry Hill or Camden Yards, with the Federal Railroad Administration responsible for the final decision.
– BWRR plans to construct solar or wind farms in Western Maryland to supply power for the maglev system.
– A one-way ticket will cost $33 for the 15-minute journey, with an anticipated 12 million riders expected to utilize the new system in its first year.
