One thing to note is that in order for the Acela equipment to be used in Keystone service, all of the Keystone stations will need high level platforms. Currently only Lancaster and Harrisburg have them.
One thing to note is that in order for the Acela equipment to be used in Keystone service, all of the Keystone stations will need high level platforms. Currently only Lancaster and Harrisburg have them.
In the FRA pre-applications for the $8 billion stimulus money, PA did list a $300 million Phase 1 improvement to the eastern Keystone corridor which includes: "Station upgrades (high level platforms, parking expansion, buildings, etc.) at Middletown, Mt Joy, Coatesville, Parkesburg, Paoli, Ardmore, Harrisburg, Exton, and Downingtown." along with interlocking and track improvements. PA is asking for $18 million to remove the remaining grade crossings on the eastern Keystone line and listing a $700 million Phase 2 upgrade plan. Max speed would be increased to 125 mph. Don't know how much the long term plans for the Acela play into it, but I imagine PA would like to see some Acela trains going from NYP to Harrisburg for more business traffic from NYC.
With so many states asking for a piece of the $8 billion dollar pie, PA probably won't get all of the $300 million . But if Congress funds HSR at a $4 billion a year and keeps Amtrak funding at 1.5 billion/year, the federal funding with some state funding to upgrade the eastern Keystone should be there in the next few years.
