January 2004
Should the States of North Carolina and Virginia desire to upgrade the railroad corridor between Richmond and Charlotte for improved passenger service that meets a specific travel time goal, a number of infrastructure improvements would be needed. This monograph enumerates, describes, and costs a set of improvements that could, in combination, support a trip time goal of 4 hours, 25 minutes between Richmond and Charlotte. The operational implications of such a service are discussed. As the corridor contains a variety of operating conditions, this monograph may be of technical assistance to other States that are contemplating similar rail passenger service projects.
VOLUME I
Executive Summary
Main Report
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
Chapter 2: THE CORRIDOR TODAY
Chapter 3: SERVICE GOALS
Chapter 4: METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS
Chapter 5: CORRIDOR-WIDE INVESTMENTS AND DESIGN STANDARDS
Chapter 6: SITE-SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENTS
Chapter 7: COST ESTIMATES AND CONCLUSIONS
VOLUME II
Appendix A:
Curve Analysis Richmond-Charlotte
Appendix B:
Train Performance Calculator Analysis To Support Project Goals
Appendix C:
Operations Analysis To Support Project Goals
Appendix D:
Track Charts
Appendix E:
Ownership and Operating Rights
Appendix F:
Projected 2020 Schedules
Appendix G:
Descriptions of Individual Projects