The Georgia Department of Transportation held a meeting last week in Greer to discuss a possible high-speed rail line from Atlanta to Charlotte.
Six potential routes are being considered, and three would go through the Anderson-Greenville-Spartanburg area. Two would go through Columbia, and another through Greenwood (see map). Half of them would be shared-use on existing CSX or Norfolk Southern lines.
By June 15, one preferred alternative will be identified.
The line would be for business and commercial use. The project aims to improve connectivity capacity on the regional infrastructure, increase energy efficiency and travel alternatives, reduce travel times between urban centers, and promote economic development along the corridor.
The proposed section would be an extension of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor that is already under development from Charlotte to Washington, D.C. The routes have yet to be determined, but connections to Charlotte and Atlanta airports, as well as the proposed Georgia Multi Modal Passenger Terminal, are important parts of the considerations. Some of the routes were identified in a 2008 feasibility study.
“As a part of the study, [the Federal Railroad Administration] will analyze corridor alternatives, station locations, and service technologies including diesel and electrified operations, service frequency and hours of service,” said the project’s informational website.
A two-year environmental impact study is underway, as is required by the National Environmental Policy Act. An economic analysis report is expected in the fourth quarter of this year. A final environmental impact statement is expected at the end of next year.
