Preparing The Nation's Railroads For High Speed Trains

"High-speed [rail] corridors are where you have lots of traffic, pedestrians, highway users and lots of trains," said Gerri Hall, president of Operation Lifesaver, a private organization that seeks to reduce train-car and train-pedestrian accidents. "It's a mix that warrants all of our attention." The federal government is steering money toward crossings where fast trains may operate, and state officials are scrambling to improve safety. In most areas, the maximum speed for passenger trains is 79 m.p.h. But Amtrak and many state governments are contemplating speeds of 100 to 150 m.p.h. for new high-speed trains. Amtrak's new Acela Express hits 150 m.p.h. during its Washington-to-Boston trip. Where speeds exceed 125 m.p.h., the Federal Railroad Administration requires that grade crossings be eliminated. But building a bridge to separate rail from road can cost $2 million to $4 million, said Randy Wade, a rail planner with Wisconsin's Department of Transportation."

Thanks to Christian Peralta