TxDOT Research Library - Publication Details

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Title:

Arkansas High-Speed Passenger Rail Study: Texarkana, AR to Memphis, TN

Edition:

-- Executive Summary

Authors:

Prepared by AECOM

Published:

2020

Little Rock, Arkansas

Arkansas. Department of Transportation

Type:

Online document

1 PDF (14 pages)

Online Access:

https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/F...

Access Note:

1.5 MB

Supplement:

Full report: https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/FULL-Arkansas-Passenger-Rail-Study-2020-02.pdf

Summary

"The South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor (SCHSRC) is one of 10 high-speed rail corridors designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The SCHSRC, which includes a branch to Oklahoma from Texas, is intended to allow intercity passenger rail service operating at a relatively high rate of speed. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) defines high-speed rail as 110 to 150 miles per hour (mph). Current passenger rail speed between Dallas and Little Rock, part of Amtrak’s “Texas Eagle” route, is no more than 79 mph. Between the Texarkana and Little Rock train stations, the Texas Eagle travels the 140 miles in approximately 2.9 hours, equivalent to a 48 mph average speed."

"In 2008, Congress passed the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act that, among other things, specifically required a feasibility study and to consider expanding the SCHSRC to include a connection to Memphis. Minute Order 2009-103 authorized the Department to apply for FRA funds and to engage the service of a consulting firm to conduct the study if funds are received. Minute Order 2010-102 further specified the development of a “service development plan” for the Arkansas portion of the existing SCHSRC. A service development plan is FRA’s term for a planning study that develops a purpose and need for improvements, analyzes alternatives, and determines feasibility by examining impacts, costs, and projected ridership. The portion of the SCHSRC in Arkansas operates less than high-speed as defined by FRA. Therefore, a service development plan is required to determine the need and feasibility of improvements."

"To determine if high-speed passenger rail service is needed, a review of existing and projected future population, employment, and travel was conducted." -- pages 1-3

Publ. Place

Little Rock, Arkansas

Notes

"February 2020"