Wonding out-loud here: why are the speeds so slow in the B&P tunnel and why can they not be increased? And please follow the logic, it only seems to have one tight cure at the north or east end that would be speed restrictive.
Unlike a freight road where they are always battling the high car problem, AMTK has no real issue with the height of the tunnel. As for track structure and drainage the rails look to be on concrete. So why can't the track be aligned bolted down and jack up the speeds. (slow down at the end for the curve obviously) and be done with it. Why spend billions wanting a new tunnel when this one works?
Move the crossover out of the cut on the south or west end put in concrete ties and go faster in the straight parts. If swaying side to side is an issue for MARC bi-level cars notch the darn think like freight roads. But Amtubes should not have issues with the arched roof.
I realize AMTK might want more tracks and the focus of all transportation companies is now to get some government agency to pay for stuff like the state or MD. But realistically a 3 track tunnel would be amazingly expensive so they are likely to get nothing or another 2 track tunnel at the best.
Why not make the one you have work well until you get something else?
What is the speed today in the 30 mph range?
T2
Unlike a freight road where they are always battling the high car problem, AMTK has no real issue with the height of the tunnel. As for track structure and drainage the rails look to be on concrete. So why can't the track be aligned bolted down and jack up the speeds. (slow down at the end for the curve obviously) and be done with it. Why spend billions wanting a new tunnel when this one works?
Move the crossover out of the cut on the south or west end put in concrete ties and go faster in the straight parts. If swaying side to side is an issue for MARC bi-level cars notch the darn think like freight roads. But Amtubes should not have issues with the arched roof.
I realize AMTK might want more tracks and the focus of all transportation companies is now to get some government agency to pay for stuff like the state or MD. But realistically a 3 track tunnel would be amazingly expensive so they are likely to get nothing or another 2 track tunnel at the best.
Why not make the one you have work well until you get something else?
What is the speed today in the 30 mph range?
T2
Last edited by nomis on Mon Jun 21, 2021 12:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: edited title to reflect new official name