Issues in Constructing High-speed Rail Lines in New York
The entire upstate network lacks electrification for conventional high-speed service. As an alternative to electrification, diesel-powered options such as the new JetTrain by Bombardier Transportation were considered, as well as refurbishing of the older Turboliner fleet, but both projects are either stalled or canceled.
Sections of the Hudson River route require straightening of the track route. Some portions, notably the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge over the Harlem River, are operating with only a single track.
Most sections of the routes north and west of Albany share track with freight trains. Third or fourth tracks would be necessary to ensure continuity of high velocities on the route; the federal government considers the construction of additional tracks between Albany and Buffalo to be "one of the largest projects" involved in upgrading the trackage to high-speed standards.
While the metropolitan Erie Canal line has seen much interest in such a line, the rural areas of the Southern Tier, as well as the North Country, have largely been neglected; indeed, there is not even normal Amtrak service in these areas. These areas tend to be hillier and more mountainous than the current plans, and are thus not ideal for high-speed service.
Read more about this topic: New York High-speed Rail
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