Does anyone know if the CSX "S" line could be purchased by the states of VA, NC, SC, and GA jointly? If so, maybe they could use the proposed federal matching funds to help finance both the rebuilding of abandoned areas and the upgrading of existing areas so that the line is suitable for high speed rail.
I ask this because it's my understanding that the remaining (i.e., not abandoned) areas of this line have very little freight traffic. Therefore, they could be purchased from CSX (along with the ROW in abandoned areas, of course) without much adverse impact on the flow of CSX's freight traffic.
Once purchased, the line could be leased to Amtrak and improved using Amtrak's track maintenance crews. This would give Amtrak a dedicated high speed passenger line from Richmond to Savannah, thus eliminating their need to use CSX's crowded "A" line south of Richmond.
notelvis Member # 3071
posted
Hi Tarheelman,
There has certainly been talk of the states buying and rehabbing the 'S' line north of Raleigh for use as part of a high speed passenger rail corridor from the northeast to Charlotte. The track is still in place as far as Norlina, NC but parts are in very poor shape.
I'm certain that there has been speculation, at least behind closed doors, by the states (NC at least) about buying the rest of it and rehabbing the line.
You're thinking makes alot of sense actually.
tarheelman Member # 6095
posted
quote:Originally posted by notelvis: Hi Tarheelman,
There has certainly been talk of the states buying and rehabbing the 'S' line north of Raleigh for use as part of a high speed passenger rail corridor from the northeast to Charlotte. The track is still in place as far as Norlina, NC but parts are in very poor shape.
I'm certain that there has been speculation, at least behind closed doors, by the states (NC at least) about buying the rest of it and rehabbing the line.
You're thinking makes alot of sense actually.
David, I'm glad that NC (and hopefully the other states, too) is at least thinking about buying and rebuilding/upgrading the "S" line---that's definitely a step in the right direction. Now all we need is someone with both the ability and the authority to do something about this who is willing to step up to the plate and make it happen.
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