$58M going to NC-Virginia for higher-speed rail
North Carolina and Virginia are getting $58M from the federal government to help build out anticipated high-speed passenger rail service between the states’ capitals. The grant was awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration to begin engineering work on a rail corridor connecting Raleigh and Petersburg, Virginia. The high-speed rail will reach north to Richmond. The so-called “S-line” is being bought by the states from freight railroad CSX Corp. The plan is for passenger trains capable of going 110 mph (about 160 kph) to begin service in the next three to seven years. [apnews.com]
Honolulu approves HART light rail recovery plan
The Honolulu City Council has approved the latest recovery plan for the troubled HART light rail project. The plan calls for the route to be shortened and end in Kakaako. The Honolulu Authority on Rapid Transportation (HART) would also eliminate construction of a 1,600-space parking garage at Pearl Highlands that would accommodate rail passengers from Central Oahu and the North Shore. The Federal Transit Administration requires HART to submit a recovery plan by the end of June in order for the project to be eligible to receive $744-million in federal funding. [kitv.com]
Connecticut to build $32M train station in Enfield
For the first time in more than 35 years, there are plans for trains to stop in Enfield, with construction of a new station to begin in less than two years. Designs will be completed in the summer of 2023, with plans to go out to bid for the project that fall. The project is funded through a near-even split of state bonding and federal grants, The state bonding will supply $15.86 million, according to DOT. The project received $13.86 million through the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program [ctinsider.com]
Funding source unclear for A2TC Rail Project
The Ann Arbor to Traverse City Rail Project now has an estimated price tag and timeline, but the funding source and plans are still unclear. Jim Bruckbauer, transportation director of the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, said 65 percent of the tracks along the route are ready for passenger trains going 60 mph. To finish upgrading the rest of the tracks, he said, will cost an estimated $153 million. Bruckbauer said the rail system is projected to be done by 2025, but the funding source is still up in the air. [record-eagle.com]
