Michigan politicians have announced radical plans to build a solar and hydrogen powered high speed rail line from Detroit to the state capital Lansing.
State Representatives Bill Rogers and Wayne Schmidt have set up a bipartisan task force to study the possibility of building the elevated line, which is expected to cost $2.3bn and could move passengers at up to 200mph.
The system would be designed by Michigan-based Interstate Traveler Company and would be privately financed. In addition to carrying rail passengers the route would generate revenue by serving as a conduit to distribute electricity, water, fibre optics, hydrogen and oxygen.
“This innovative rail system has tremendous potential for Michigan residents, and could be a major catalyst to strengthen our economy and create jobs,” Rogers said.
A task force will sponsor four public hearings over the next few months. The first one will be in Lansing in April and will focus on the projected ridership and safety issues; the second hearing will be in Ann Arbor and focus on the energy aspect of the project. The third hearing will be in Grand Rapids and focus on the environmental impact and the final hearing will be in Detroit and focus on the proper funding.
Following the task force meetings, the panel will write and submit a report on the feasibility of the project. The Interstate Traveler Company eventually wants to build such a system throughout the United States.
Source: The New Civil Engineer
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