by STrRedWolf
So I pop into the NEC Future thread in the Amtrak forum, and saw the draft EIS weight the alternatives.
One of the alternatives is to four-track from New Carrolton to Halethorpe (basically, from LANDOVER interlocking to WINANS). This of course would likely mean (based on looking at overhead sat photos via Google Maps/WikiMapia):
One of the alternatives is to four-track from New Carrolton to Halethorpe (basically, from LANDOVER interlocking to WINANS). This of course would likely mean (based on looking at overhead sat photos via Google Maps/WikiMapia):
- LANDOVER gets that "Track 1" access, and maybe the start of "Track A" on the southeast side.
- New Carrolton gets another island track, but it has to clear the existing island platform to the northeast. I can't see any room there for a platform next to the existing platform, and doing two outer platforms means taking away car parking (which I'm just going to discount unless they spring for a second parking garage).
- Seabrook's SE parking would need to be moved more SE in order to make room for Track A.
- Bowie's not too bad, the northbound platform just needs to be moved and the tunnel covered up more.
- Odenton... well, see below.
- BWI already has an improvement plan in the four-track plans between GROVE and WINANS.
- Decommission and pull up all track between the old Speciality Filaments plant site to the NEC.
- Move parking in the SE lot, expanding it and putting in a proper bus loop for East-of-Rail buses (RTA 203). Remove parking closest to the rail.
- Move the platform all the way out two tracks wide. If you got to reconstruct the tunnel, you're gone too far.
- Lay down Track A. Move Track 1.
- Open up an entrance to the tunnel as ramp all the way up to the highblock platform. No stairs, no elevator.