Those interested and live nearby the NEC test segments may want to break out their video cameras starting tonight - well, if you can find a lighted place to take video. Amtrak has issued a press release about the test runs starting tonight: AMTRAK TO OPERATE TEST TRAINS AT 165 MPH. The interesting part is that they will conducting the tests in four areas on the NEC covering more than 100 miles (really?): Perryville-WIL, NJ, RI, and MA.
It should be emphasized that the tests are being run at up to 165 mph to get approval for 160 mph operation in revenue service. The tests on the 150 mph segments in RI and MA would suggest that there could be 160 mph running there well before the Trenton to New Brunswick track and catenary work is completed.
Quoting the press release:
It should be emphasized that the tests are being run at up to 165 mph to get approval for 160 mph operation in revenue service. The tests on the 150 mph segments in RI and MA would suggest that there could be 160 mph running there well before the Trenton to New Brunswick track and catenary work is completed.
Quoting the press release:
WASHINGTON— Beginning tonight and continuing into next week, Amtrak plans to operate high-speed test trains at 165 mph in four areas covering more than 100 miles of the Northeast Corridor. The tests in Maryland / Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts are locations that may at some future time experience regular 160 mph service.
The tests will utilize high-speed Acela Express equipment and will measure the interaction between the train and the track, rider quality and other safety factors. The test runs must be performed at 5 mph above the expected maximum operating speed of 160 mph.
The test areas between approximately Perryville, Md. – Wilmington, Del. (21.3 miles) and Trenton – New Brunswick, N.J. (22.9 miles) currently have a maximum speed limit of 135 mph. The test areas between approximately Westerly – Cranston, R.I. (29.2 miles) and South Attleboro – Readville, Mass. (27.8 miles) currently have a maximum speed limit of 150 mph. The same areas were used for similar high-speed tests before the introduction of Acela service.
The initial test run is in New Jersey where Amtrak is presently advancing design, engineering and other pre-construction activities for a $450 million project funded by the federal high-speed rail program. The project includes upgrading track, electrical power, signal systems and overhead catenary wires to improve reliability for Amtrak and commuter rail service, and is necessary to permit regular train operations at the faster speeds. Some construction activity is anticipated in 2013, but the project will ramp up dramatically thereafter to be completed in 2017.