Rail Officials Weighing Plans To Upgrade Aging Northeast Corridor
STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- Federal rail officials are considering several initiatives that would provide major upgrades along the Northeast Corridor.
As WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reported, the Federal Railroad Administration outlined four levels of proposals in a report last month at NECFuture.com. They include dazzling visions for the line from Boston to Washington with a "second spine," perhaps via White Plains, New York, or Danbury and Hartford.
All the scenarios call for new tracks under the Hudson River.
Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz told WCBS 880 in October that the company was moving ahead with planning for new tunnels, as the existing pair could close one at a time for Superstorm Sandy repairs.
"The impact that it would have on the traveling public and the economy and mobility in the region is stark," he said.
Jim RePass, chairman of the National Corridors Initiative, said in October there's a need for Amtrak's Gateway plan, a massive rail redevelopment initiative that is considered at least 10 years from being realized.
"These tunnels are a hundred years old, and whether Sandy had come or not, they badly need replacement," he said.
The Stamford Advocate reported that figures on the possible Northeast rail projects are expected next year. In 2012, Amtrak said its plan came with a $150 billion price tag.
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