Colorado planning

[John Santos]

It says "A more modern approach is likely to be taken" but judging by the logo, it looks like they are planning to use coal-fired steam locomotives and the passenger cars will be refurbished 19th century cars used to transport circus animals? A great view in the summer but not very comfortable in the winter.

(Just kidding! )

 

[Paniolo Man]

A new advocacy group: the Western Rail Coalition is pushing for an aggressive expansion of passenger rail in Colorado:



They have already published a letter asking the Governor to consider rail through Eagle County.

A member has made a nice video explaining the idea:

 

[BlackDiamond]

Interesting concept. At first I was skeptical of the use of the Tennessee Pass route but after watching the video it makes sense. The cost estimates might be a bit optimistic as the rail line essentially unused for 20+ years will probably need some upgrading.

I imagine that if the the line is exclusively for passenger rail they could get an FRA waiver and be able to run the European style MUs.

 

[tgstubbs1]

Too bad Tennessee pass the tracks couldn't be used to bypass Glenwood Springs.

I think the Colorado DOT has a desire to have a bypass for that area, considering the amount of problems that result from a closure in that area. It's even worse in the winter when CO 82 is closed.

I would like to see them open the Tennessee pass all the way to Pueblo. Even a Bustang route on US 24 would be a good thing.

 

[Willbridge]

A first step on the Front Range announced. These are multi-purpose improvements in the suburban area to be overlapped by the RTD B-Line..

CDOT has been awarded a CRISI Grant for ~66 million dollars to construct the first passing siding for FRPR, install PTC on the first ten miles of track, and address five high priority crossings along the Front Range Subdivision. CDOT will also be providing a 30% match to the grant to fund this first round of construction activity.

In other news, Colorado State University Pueblo also received a 11 million dollar CRISI grant to study safety, testing, and workforce development for hydrogen and natural gas powered motive power.

https://www.colorail.org/colorado-rail-passenger-news

Television coverage: