by BostonUrbEx
NH2060 wrote:Just from looking at maps of the ROW this looks like an excellent candidate for high speed rail. The route is, for the most part, essentially a straight line with minimal curves (especially east of Salem). Even if it weren't to be electrified (which would be an obvious advantage) they could still easily hit 125mph with whichever diesel power Amtrak, MBTA or whoever else would operate the service would purchase. And just the list of towns and cities it passes through would justify the expense of rebuilding the line: Revere, Lynn, Salem, Beverly, Ipswich, Newburyport, Salisbury, and Hampton.I almost asked the same thing yesterday. With a new ROW forged north of Portsmouth (keeping as direct as possible) and connecting with the current mainline somewhere near Wells, I'd see it as the ultimate passenger route for both Portsmouth and Portland. Pending a North-South Rail Link, I could see Acela dashing up to Salem, Portsmouth, and then Portland, and regionals hitting those plus Lynn, Newburyport, Saco/Biddeford, and then the extra jump to either Brunswick or Auburb/Lewiston.
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