http://hamptonroads.com/2009/09/norfolk-southern-passenger-rail-freight-tracks-less-costly
This appears to be a completely unsolicited analysis by NS. Is NS just being a good corporate citizen (since Norfolk is the HQ) or are they trying to steer the debate in ways the benefit NS the most in the long term?
Both!
This appears as a way to get another track and improve their own freight operations. Someone from that area – Is the ROW wide enough to add a track or maybe N&W had another track in the past? Might only need new bridges??
Also this might keep CSX from getting an upgraded ROW from RIC to New Port News ( NPN ). The WASH - NPN is the best financially performing short haul on AMTRAK for several months.
This is in no small part thanks to Virginal Railway Express commuter railway paying for improvements on Norfolk Southern in the Northern VA area, including but not limited to a new river bridge!!
Which bridge?
Don’t know about bridges, but Norfolk to Poe (almost Petersburg) is double track all the way and nearly dead straight and level the whole way. This route is currently handles a few intermodal trains and the Norfolk export coal traffic. The export coal business is up and down, but I think the long term trend is down. Being maintained for the intermodal traffic means it can likely handle 79 mph passenger trains in it’s current condition. The NS quoted investment must be for a few more Xovers and connections at the end points. The 11 minutes for 110 over 79 mph doesn’t sound like much, but the route is only 80 miles long. It will be interesting to see what the ridership estimate are for each scenario.
I’m a dope. I didn’t notice the “Petersburg to Norfolk” part in the first paragraph.
NS added a second bridge across Quantico Creek.
http://wikimapia.org/11375054/Quantico-Creek-Railway-Bridge
Some background is at:
That would be on CSX (es-RF&P). Not on NS, right?