High Speed Ground Transportation FAQ
1. What is maglev?
Maglev stands for magnetic levitation. It is an advanced passenger and freight transport technology in which electronics and magnetic forces lift, guide and propel the train over an elevated track, called a guideway. Using all-electric power and state-of-the-art control systems, the need for wheels is eliminated. This allows for contact-free travel, excellent acceleration rates, and cruising speeds of 250 to 300 mph.
Maglev stands for magnetic levitation. It is an advanced passenger and freight transport technology in which electronics and magnetic forces lift, guide and propel the train over an elevated track, called a guideway. Using all-electric power and state-of-the-art control systems, the need for wheels is eliminated. This allows for contact-free travel, excellent acceleration rates, and cruising speeds of 250 to 300 mph.
There are two recent studies. The first study is a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and preliminary engineering study from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Chattanooga’s Lovell Field Metropolitan Airport. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is managing this project with EarthTech, Inc. being the prime contractor. Any potential environmental problems are being examined as various corridors are selected for review as well as possible station locations. Public and agency outreach will be a major part of the study which is expected to be completed in spring 2010. Funding for the project comes from the Federal Government, the City of Chattanooga, and Cumberland Community Improvement District.
The second is a Feasibility Study on the Chattanooga-Nashville Corridor which was completed in May 2008. This is the first step in the process of developing a new transportation project. The preliminary study considered issues such as actual location of the maglev corridor, possible station locations, cost, public interest, needs for additional transportation options, environmental impacts, socioeconomic considerations, economic benefits, and any other issues to be considered if the project is to be constructed. No environmental "show stoppers" were found during the study and meetings with key leaders throughout the corridor were met with a high degree of enthusiasm.
3. What are the possible corridor options for the high-speed train?
Currently, multiple corridors between Atlanta, Chattanooga and Nashville are under consideration for the actual location of the HSGT route. At this time the I-75 and I-24 corridor look favorable. The final alignment will result from the next phase of engineering and environmental studies and the public involvement process.
4. Where would stations be located?
Currently, multiple corridors between Atlanta, Chattanooga and Nashville are under consideration for the actual location of the HSGT route. At this time the I-75 and I-24 corridor look favorable. The final alignment will result from the next phase of engineering and environmental studies and the public involvement process.
4. Where would stations be located?
The current Tier 1 EIS project will help determine station locations between the Atlanta and Chattanooga airports. It would appear consideration would be given to downtown Atlanta, the Marietta area, Dalton, and perhaps other locations.
For the Chattanooga-Nashville route, station locations under consideration at this time are at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, the Nashville International Airport, downtown Chattanooga, and downtown Nashville. There will most likely be stations in between the two cities with Murfreesboro being one.
5. Is maglev safe?
Yes. High-speed maglev is not only one of the fastest ways to travel, but one of the safest as well. The vehicle is designed such that it wraps around the guideway and cannot be derailed. In addition, with proper design, the maglev’s advanced propulsion control system makes the possibility of a collision impossible. The traveling electromagnetic field in the guideway that propels the vehicles moves the vehicles in the same location and direction at the same speed. It is therefore impossible for two vehicles to meet in a head-on collision or for one train to overtake or catch up to another. Also, maglev routes are designed with full grade separation so rail or highway crossings with trains or automobiles are eliminated. Maglev technology has been studied for years and found to be safe by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in the U.S. Department of Transportation.
5. Is maglev safe?
Yes. High-speed maglev is not only one of the fastest ways to travel, but one of the safest as well. The vehicle is designed such that it wraps around the guideway and cannot be derailed. In addition, with proper design, the maglev’s advanced propulsion control system makes the possibility of a collision impossible. The traveling electromagnetic field in the guideway that propels the vehicles moves the vehicles in the same location and direction at the same speed. It is therefore impossible for two vehicles to meet in a head-on collision or for one train to overtake or catch up to another. Also, maglev routes are designed with full grade separation so rail or highway crossings with trains or automobiles are eliminated. Maglev technology has been studied for years and found to be safe by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in the U.S. Department of Transportation.
6. Is maglev noisy?
Maglev trains are much quiter than traditinal railway trains at any speed. Not only are maglev sound levels noticeabily lower, the quality of the sound is much less annoying.