2 possible routes for high-speed train linking Baltimore, DC

BALTIMORE – A federal review has narrowed the possible routes for a proposed high-speed, magnetic levitation train linking Baltimore and Washington down to two.

Both routes more or less track the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. A route that would have run along the heavily developed Penn Line operated by Amtrak has been dropped.

The proposal calls for using maglev technology on a 40-mile (64 km), $10 billion line where trains could reach 375 mph (603 kph), reducing the trip between the two cities to 15 minutes. Most of the route would be underground. Some communities along the proposed paths are opposed.

The Washington Post reports that project proponents hope a route can be chosen and tunneling could begin in 2020. Operations could begin in 2027.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com