Federal Review of High-Speed Maglev Train Between D.C. and Baltimore Nearing the Finish Line

The Federal Railroad Administration in January released a preliminary review of a proposal to build a high-speed maglev train system between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. as the first leg of a route that would eventually connect to New York City, reports Luz Lazo.  

The preliminary review "[lays] out potential routes, as well as economic and environmental impacts of the train service that would move passengers between the nation’s capital and Baltimore in 15 minutes," according to Lazo.

The preliminary study considers two potential alignments, both running parallel to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Lazo provides more details on each of the potential alignments in the source article.

The project is estimated to cost between $13.8 billion and $16.8 billion, depending on alignment chosen. The costs has been rising. "Northeast Maglev, the private investors behind the project, had pegged costs at $10 billion to $12 billion. " Northeast Maglev has announced $5 billion in funding for the project from Japan.

According to Lazo, the project is facing stiff opposition from "residents, civic associations and elected officials in the project’s path." The federal study has already been delayed by a year.

Hat tip to Sandy Smith for sharing the Washington Post article.