Virginia and North Carolina released their proposed recommendations for a preferred alignment for the Southeast High Speed Rail project from Richmond's Main Street Station to Raleigh, N.C.
The draft recommendations generally call for using existing rail lines or inactive rail corridors — for instance, from Petersburg though Southside Virginia to Norlina, N.C. — where possible, along with areas of new track, for the proposed passenger service.
"This is one more step in the process of working through the federal requirements for building this service," said Thelma Drake, director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
The report released Thursday presents the recommendations of Virginia's state rail agency and the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Rail Division for each of 26 sections of the 162-mile corridor between Richmond and Raleigh.
"This is where it's actually going to go," Drake said, though she pointed out that no money is available to build the multibillion-dollar project now.
The state rail agency said the recommendations are based on the alignment's environmental impacts, costs, and operating and construction considerations, as well as public comments received during the environmental impact study.
The maximum design speed for the proposed Richmond-Raleigh train is 110 mph once it gets south of Petersburg, with an average running speed of around 85 mph.
The alignment recommendations will go to the Federal Railroad Administration for its approval and inclusion in the final environmental impact statement.
The project will reduce traffic congestion, increase safety along the train corridor and serve long-distance travelers between Virginia and North Carolina and beyond.
The state will accept comments on the draft recommendation report though March 9. Comments can be submitted electronically to drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov.
The public can also submit comments by mail to SEHSR Comments, Public Information Office, DRPT, 600 E. Main St., Suite 2102, Richmond, Va. 23219.
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