by mlrr
I thought this might be an interesting/stimulating topic about the NEC.
Aside from the supposed 25mph crawl space near Bridgeport, CT (That I have not personally experienced), it seems that CP216 (For those unfamiliar with CP216, it is where Amtrak and Metro north meet, near New Rochelle. It's a major interlocking that Amtrak trains much snake through all the time) just seems to be a hindrance to trains on the NEC operating north of New York City, costing Amtrak precious minutes.
I've noticed that Metro-North's path over the junction has a more forgiving path than Amtrak does. MNRR trains look like they can pass through CP216 at 50-60MPH if they wanted to but Amtrak has to crawl through there at about 25MPH or below (the limit could be a bit higher I'm not sure, it seems like 25 to me).
Picture this. By some miracle, the government says, "We'll give you whatever money you need to improve the NEC". On the agenda, among other things such as maintenance, tackling the CP216 issue is at the top of the list. How would you re-configure the tracks to configuration in which trains can operate through the junction at higher speeds such as 65MPH or higher?
Before you even get to that point, is it worth the project? How much time would it save NEC trains if they no longer have to crawl through CP216? For trains traveling between Boston, MA and Washington, D.C/Virginia does 10 - 15 minutes really make a difference?
As for the track configuration, (based on photographic memory) it will be a challenge because of the close proximity of I95 to the West and the houses along with a Golf course to the East. The only solution I would see is increasing the gradient South of CP216 and creating a 1 track fly-over and joining it with the express track that currently exists (I think, there should be 4 tracks through New Rochelle, 3 of which platform). The fly-over would cross over the two NB track. Then maybe less than a mile north of that I would install cross-overs (At grade of course). The flyover would obviously be for trains traveling through New Rochelle. Those stopping at New Rochelle will most likely have to snake through the area much like they do now.
One strategy that I think this improvement will help with is allowing trains to make up for lost time from other areas granted that there are no tie-ups with Metro-North. Rather than update the timetables, let them remain the same; this way on-time performance should improve (I would think).
I personally think the improvement would save about 10 to 15 minutes. I don't know however; if 10 to 15 minutes would be worth the investment in improving the interlocking at CP216.
Looking forward to seeing what ideas you guys have!
Aside from the supposed 25mph crawl space near Bridgeport, CT (That I have not personally experienced), it seems that CP216 (For those unfamiliar with CP216, it is where Amtrak and Metro north meet, near New Rochelle. It's a major interlocking that Amtrak trains much snake through all the time) just seems to be a hindrance to trains on the NEC operating north of New York City, costing Amtrak precious minutes.
I've noticed that Metro-North's path over the junction has a more forgiving path than Amtrak does. MNRR trains look like they can pass through CP216 at 50-60MPH if they wanted to but Amtrak has to crawl through there at about 25MPH or below (the limit could be a bit higher I'm not sure, it seems like 25 to me).
Picture this. By some miracle, the government says, "We'll give you whatever money you need to improve the NEC". On the agenda, among other things such as maintenance, tackling the CP216 issue is at the top of the list. How would you re-configure the tracks to configuration in which trains can operate through the junction at higher speeds such as 65MPH or higher?
Before you even get to that point, is it worth the project? How much time would it save NEC trains if they no longer have to crawl through CP216? For trains traveling between Boston, MA and Washington, D.C/Virginia does 10 - 15 minutes really make a difference?
As for the track configuration, (based on photographic memory) it will be a challenge because of the close proximity of I95 to the West and the houses along with a Golf course to the East. The only solution I would see is increasing the gradient South of CP216 and creating a 1 track fly-over and joining it with the express track that currently exists (I think, there should be 4 tracks through New Rochelle, 3 of which platform). The fly-over would cross over the two NB track. Then maybe less than a mile north of that I would install cross-overs (At grade of course). The flyover would obviously be for trains traveling through New Rochelle. Those stopping at New Rochelle will most likely have to snake through the area much like they do now.
One strategy that I think this improvement will help with is allowing trains to make up for lost time from other areas granted that there are no tie-ups with Metro-North. Rather than update the timetables, let them remain the same; this way on-time performance should improve (I would think).
I personally think the improvement would save about 10 to 15 minutes. I don't know however; if 10 to 15 minutes would be worth the investment in improving the interlocking at CP216.
Looking forward to seeing what ideas you guys have!