HIGH-SPEED GROUND TRANSPORTATION FEASIBILITY STUDY: I-90 (MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE) CORRIDOR--BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, TO THE NEW YORK STATE LINE

A preliminary evaluation of the compatibility of a high-speed ground transportation system with an existing Interstate highway corridor is documented. The evaluation considered the implementation of a single guideway with passing sidings and the Transrapid TR-07 vehicle technology. The feasibility of implementing this specific magnetically levitated ("maglev") technology is assessed by evaluating engineering, environmental, and operational parameters of two potential guideway alignments along the 216-km (135-mi) I-90 corridor. Alternative A is fully contained within the I-90 right-of-way. Alternative B is located both within and outside the right-of-way, optimizing operating speeds at 400 kmph (250 mph). Opportunities and constraints associated with the implementation of a maglev transportation system within the I-90 corridor are defined. The results presented are conceptual in nature and are intended to provide initial input into system planning efforts for providing high-speed ground transportation. These results indicate a significant trade-off between high-speed maglev operations and shared use of existing Interstate rights-of-way. To achieve the maximum operating performance of 400 kmph (250 mph), the maglev guideway would be located outside the existing highway corridor for approximately 80 to 85% of its alignment. With the alignment located fully within the Interstate right-of-way, the operating speed averages 197 kmph (123 mph). Implementation of maglev technology, or super-speed technology, may be perceived as both a transportation solution to the movement of goods and people in congested and highly traveled corridors and as a tool for social and economic development. No effort has been made to quantitatively or otherwise predict transportation demands (commodities or people) or socioeconomic benefits accruing from the implementation of high-speed ground transportation connections. Also, consideration of the financial aspects of this potential transportation system has not been undertaken.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1994/1470/1470-003.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=HIGH-SPEED+GROUND+TRANSPORTATION+FEASIBILITY+STUDY%3A+I-90+(MASSACHUSETTS+TURNPIKE)+CORRIDOR--BOSTON%2C+MASSACHUSETTS%2C+TO+THE+NEW+YORK+STATE+LINE&author=D.+Wilcock&publication_year=1994
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• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1470, Railroad Research Issues. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Wilcock, David C
• Publication Date: 1994

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 22-30
• Monograph Title: Railroad research issues
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1470
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alignment; Alternatives analysis; Feasibility analysis; High speed ground transportation; Interstate highways; Magnetic levitation; Operating speed
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00677723
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309061016
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: May 19 1995 12:00AM