Washington Department of Transport has published the business case analysis for the high-speed rail connection in Pacific Northwest which will transform the regional travel between the cities in British Columbia and Washington.
According to the study, Pacific Northwest is worth the investment, which would provide between 1.7 million to 3.1 million one-way annual trips at start-up.
The study, completed by WSP along with Steer Davies Gleave, EnviroIssues, Paladin Partners and Transportation Solutions, examined travel times of less than two-hour trips between Vancouver, British Columbia and Portland, Oregon, and one-hour trips between Seattle and each city.
The ultra-high-speed system is projected to travel at speeds exceeding 320 km/h (200 mph) via high-speed rail, magnetic levitation, or hyperloop technology.
The connection will be built within the 2017 estimate of USD 24 billion to USD 42 billion in up-front construction costs.
“The prospect of uniting Washington, Oregon and British Columbia with an ultra-high-speed transportation system that propels us into the future is incredibly exciting,” Washington Governor, Jay Inslee said.
The exact route and type of ultra-high-speed transportation has not been determined and would require more analysis. All trips are expected to include a stop in greater Vancouver, British Columbia, the Seattle metro area and Portland, Oregon. Some trips also may include additional stops in 9 other cities.
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