Five new connections opened just last week, including the Salerno to Torino line in Italy and a new section between Bruxelles and Amsterdam.
Yonah Freemark writes, "Faster speeds to Amsterdam are primary a result of the Netherlands' investment in 100 km of new track on HSL Zuid between Antwerpen and the country's capital, via Rotterdam. Some Netherlands rail NS Hispeed trains began using the tracks in September at speeds of only 160 km/h because of problems acquiring equipment from AnsaldoBreda, which is planning to deliver new 250 km/h-capable trainsets next fall after years of delays. Those services, which will extend as far south as Bruxelles, will be operated under a new brand called Fyra, which is jointly owned by the Belgian rail operator SNCB, NS Hispeed, and Air France."
FULL STORY: European High-Speed Rail Expands Across the Continent with Five New Line Segments

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

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl
The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.

Trump: Federal Government Won’t Pay for California HSR
The President has targeted federal funding for the California bullet train project since his first administration.

San Francisco Enhances Urban Planning Initiatives with Green Infrastructure
San Francisco incorporates green infrastructure in its city development initiatives, elevating the importance of sustainability in urban planning.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.
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