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

The Federal Railroad Administration recently released a preliminary study of a proposed high-speed maglev train route between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

1 minute read

February 7, 2021, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Maglev

The Shanghai Transrapid was the third commercially operated maglev rail system in the world, and is the oldest maglev rail system still in operation. | cyo bo / Shutterstock

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.

Friday, January 15, 2021 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.