ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF HIGH-SPEED RAIL LINKS IN COST-BENEFIT ANALYSES: A CASE STUDY OF THE DUTCH ZUIDER ZEE LINE

A standard manual that uses cost-benefit analyses has been in mandatory use in the Netherlands since 2000 for the evaluation of major infrastructure projects. This paper focuses on the manual's application to the environmental impacts of the proposed Zuider Zee line (ZZL), a rail link that would run from the west to the north of the country. A quantitative analysis of the ZZL indicates the respective merits of alternative rail transportation options, emphasizing energy considerations and noise nuisance effects. Findings indicate that these environmental impacts are seriously underestimated in the official method of analysis. The standard manual does consider environmental impacts at an early planning stage (which is an improvement over the planning process in the past). However, insights into the effects of rail infrastructure on the landscape and nature are limited. The official approach could be improved by including a more comprehensive set of factors into the analysis and by requiring that improved data be collected regarding some of the factors that are already included.

• Record URL:
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VH8-48943H7-3/2/e8d0b1a4c66432fa2801295d812f8085
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13619209
• Corporate Authors:

  Elsevier

  The Boulevard, Langford Lane
  Kidlington, Oxford  United Kingdom  OX5 1GB
• Authors:
  • Van Wee, B
  • VAN DEN BRINK, R
  • NIJLAND, H
• Publication Date: 2003-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 299-314
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 1361-9209
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13619209

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Benefit cost analysis; Case studies; Ecology; Energy conservation; Environmental impact analysis; High speed rail; Infrastructure; Landscaping; Manuals; Noise; Quantitative analysis; Railroads; Standards; Transportation planning
• Geographic Terms: Netherlands
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00960775
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 15 2003 12:00AM