Northeast Corridor update: Walk Bridge replacement a go
Walk Bridge, or Norwalk River Railroad Bridge Source: Wikimedia
The Northeast Corridor, which connects four of the nation’s largest 10 metro areas, is making incremental improvements despite objections. In mid-July, a federal judge dismissed objections to removing a railroad bridge in Norwalk, Conn., and building a new one. The Walk Bridge carries freight and people, including the Acela Express.
A $1.1 billion project would replace the aging structure with a more reliable one. Related improvements that would speed passenger travel. Infrastructure projects are essential to the future of mass transportation in the United States, and no more so in the Northeast Corridor. Millions of people rely on metro and Amtrak trains to move within and to Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington. Over 450 miles of track connect the cities and an estimated $42 billion is needed to put it in good condition.
Faster, more reliable tracks
In 1976, Congress authorized major improvements to the system so that trains could run faster. In 2011, the U.S. Dept. of Transportation funded a six-year project to increase capacity on the busy segment between New Brunswick and Trenton.
The $1.1 billion Walk Bridge represents another step forward. Also needed is work on the Hudson River tunnel, which was damaged by Hurricane Sandy. A $13 billion project would also create a future tunnel to Pennsylvania Station and replacement of the Portal Bridge.
New Amtrak priorities
The Northeast Corridor could benefit from a shift in priorities at Amtrak. Richard Anderson, a former airline chief executive and now Amtrak CEO, wants to shift more resources to shorter, more popular and profitable routes and away from legendary, money-losing long-distance ones such as the City of New Orleans and California Zephyr. The Wall Street Journal reports that he is experiencing opposition from train buffs and employees.
According to the article, Amtrak says it is profitable on the Northeast Corridor, with adjusted earnings or $524.1 million in fiscal 2018. That includes $318.8 million from Acela. The company lost more than $540 million on its 15 long-distance trains.
More trains and shorter travel times could put Amtrak back in the black, but only if resources are put into the Northeast Corridor. The Trump administration has held back on funding the $13 billion project in New York-New Jersey. A new regional transportation board may qualify for federal funds.
