DENVER—A group studying the feasibility of high-speed passenger railway in Colorado is exploring the option of six primary stations along Interstate 25 and 12 primary stations along Interstate 70.
The Rocky Mountain Rail Authority is also looking at trains ranging in speed from 79 mph to magnetic levitation trains of 300 mph.
Earlier this year, the authority, a coalition of governments and transit agencies, launched a $1.5 million study to evaluate the feasibility of high-speed passenger train service in Colorado.
“In the next three months, the study team will evaluate whether we can build a feasible, high-speed rail system that provides reliable service at an affordable cost,” said Clear Creek County Commissioner Harry Dale, the authority’s chairman.
The proposed stations were determined by market or population demand. They include nine, smaller secondary stations on I-25 and 14 secondary stations along I-70.
“Our challenge is to identify those areas with the greatest ridership potential and find ways to connect them,” Dale said.
Authority members will determine whether it makes sense for Colorado to apply for federal designation as the country’s 11th high-speed rail corridor. The designation would make Colorado eligible to apply for federal funds.
Another group, the Colorado Rail Association, is exploring options for passenger rail in the I-25 and I-70 corridors that could dovetail with results of the rail authority’s study.
The Rocky Mountain Rail authority has a $1.25 million grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation for the study, scheduled for completion by June.
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