High Speed Rail Studies
Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation: High Speed Rail Study
Transheldrake (Transheldrake staff) staff as a subcontracter to TEMS were responsible for the development of a review of available high speed rail technology. This review included the Adtranz IC3, Seneca Gas turbine, GEC Alsthom American Flyer and GEC Alsthom TGV Atlantique, for the two speed scenarios. Base line speed data, track data and timetables were prepared for the study.
Amtrak, States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan: Midwest Regional Rail Study
This study was led by TEMS and was one of the largest In terms of geographical areas to be undertaken. The entire Midwest rail system was analysed and a series of scenarios for a
replacement rail system designed. These three scenarios were for three speeds, 79 mph, 110 mph and 125 mph operation. Each scenario contained either one or all speed options. The engineering, demand, operational, customer service, financial and political issues were all addressed in this study that effectively covered ten individual routes all operating as one system. Transheldrake staff were responsible for
· The development of the route data base, which comprise a complete track inventory of 3,500 miles of track.
· Liaison with Amtrak and individual states on all engineering issues with Quandel & Associates
· Establishment of train timetables and timings in conjunction with W.L Gallagher of CSI
· Development of two operating plans and train schedules (9 per plan)
· Establishment of train technology types to be used in study, 79 mph conventional, 110 mph conventional, 110 mph Talgo, 110 mph DMU and 125 mph HST power cars plus trailers
· Development of train utilization and necessary provisions required in Chicago, 70 train sets using 410 individual cars
· Established a costing system acceptable to both individual States and Amtrak
· The production of these costings for the life of the project, compared to revenues from demand model
· Development of time lines and linear planning strategy for project implementation
Greater Rockford Airport Authority: High Speed Rail Link to O’Hare Airport
This study in partnership with Alfred Benesch & Co investigated the options open to establish a rail link between downtown Rockford, Rockford Airport and O’Hare Airport. The study was undertaken with cooperation from METRA and a full civil engineering, operations and demand study was undertaken. Transheldrake staff were responsible for
· Creation of fine zone system for the City of Rockford
· The establishment of route and inventory of engineering improvements necessary
· The creation of a timetable and schedule compatible to existing METRA and CP Soo line operations
· Establishment of an operational costing system acceptable to METRA’s accountancy department
· Creation of operational costing based on both operation of DMU IC3 technology and that of using METRA stock
Amtrak, ABB, and Raytheon: State of Florida High Speed Rail System
This study analysed the potential of using ABB X2000 high speed train technology on the Orlando, Tampa, Miami corridor. This study formed the basis of the ABB, Raytheon, Amtrak proposal to the State of Florida High Speed Train initiative. Transheldrake staff were responsible for the production of the potential train timetables. This included
· Design of operational timetable
· Schedule and operational plan
· The above was all done in close liaison with Amtrak’s operations planning department
State of Illinois, Department of Transportation: Chicago St Louis High Speed Rail Study
This study by TEMS in conjunction with Wilbur Smith Associates investigated the demand options available for a high speed rail link between Chicago and St Louis. Transheldrake staff were responsible for the development of the transportation strategies and socioeconomic data base. This involved
· Establishing the optimal times achievable by the previously established technologies
State of Illinois, Department of Transportation: Peotone High Speed Rail link
This study analysed the demand for a high speed rail link between Downtown Chicago and Peotone the proposed site of Chicago’s third airport. Transheldrake staff were responsible in this study for the
· Establishment of transportation strategies in terms of journey time and number of intermediatory stops
Transport Canada: Ontario-Quebec High Speed Rail Study
Transheldrake staff were responsible for the development of the stated preference database and the formulation of economic scenarios and transportation strategies for the demand model.
