![]() ![]() More: Readers help uncover the mysteries of old CRANDIC rail line from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City Electric options for the CRANDIC line have been studied, usually under the moniker of “light rail.” However, electric trains powered by an overhead wire are generally considered to be quieter, faster and more environmentally friendly. Electrification: Electric wiring was removed from the line after the suspension of passenger services in 1953, and most proposals still have any new service run with diesel-powered trains, as is the case for all freight rail on the line today. ![]() At-grade crossings: Places where the railroad intersects with roadways would likely have to be upgraded as well to account for increased speeds, such as improved warning signals and gates to protect drivers and pedestrians.Rolling stock: This is the term nerds use to refer to trains.Additional facilities would also have to be built to store and maintain the new passenger trains. Stations and other facilities: To my knowledge, no station infrastructure has survived from the original line all stops would need a platform, canopy, signage, lighting, ticketing machines and other related infrastructure.Track and train control upgrades: The current state of the track and dispatching systems do not support speeds above 30 mph both would need to be upgraded if trains were to operate at speeds competitive with driving (and proximate to those achieved 80 years ago).Some of the items necessary for bringing the railroad back into passenger service include, but are not strictly limited to: Even with the advantages mentioned in previous articles, such as the survival of most trackage and right-of-way for the CRANDIC line, there would be significant expenses associated with a revival of the passenger interurban in any form. In addition to the stories of yesteryear mentioned a couple of weeks ago, others had chimed in with apprehensions over the viability of bringing the line back today.īy and large, many of these respondents are warranted in their cynicism. A final point I wanted to tackle in my last piece describing reader correspondence about the CRANDIC line, but simply did not have space to do so, was discussion over the costs involved with reviving the interurban in some form. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |