Crescent Corridor

Crescent Corridor

The Crescent Corridor is a railroad corridor operated by the Norfolk Southern Railway (NS). First proposed in 2007, it is scheduled to be completed by 2020. The project is a joint venture between Norfolk Southern and the various state and federal governments.

The corridor is 1,400 miles (2,300 km) long and 28 new trains daily would be expected to go into service along with improvements to rail yards along the corridor. The overall project cost estimate is $2.5 billion as of 2009.

“The estimated $2.5 billion expansion will enable shippers and trucking companies to move more of their goods using rail, instead of relying on trucks, which are more expensive and produce more pollution. Because of the public benefits of the cleaner air and reduced highway congestion that will result from the upgrade, the U.S. Department of Transportation has chipped in more than $136 million to support the project, with the rest of the funds coming from states and Norfolk Southern itself. The company hopes to finish the upgrade by 2030 but says the timing depends on how easily it can obtain enough public funds for the project”. (Governing.com)

A map of the expansion (Image Credits: Wikipedia)

Hinkley Point C

Hinkley Point C

United Kingdom is also increasing their efforts to become increase sustainability infrastructure projects. One effort they could do is increase their use of renewable energy. Nuclear energy might have many controversial points, but no one can deny it is still a form of clean energy. One nuclear project is called the “Hinkley Point C”.

“Hinkley Point C will be the first new nuclear power plant to be constructed in the UK in over 20 years, once the final investment decision is taken. The project will generate around 25,000 jobs during its nine years of construction and provide a boost for UK business, with around 57 percent of the value of construction expected to go to UK firms. The project will also improve UK skills, especially in the South West, where EDF has worked with local colleges to establish energy and construction skills courses to maximize the opportunities for local people. The new plant will provide for around 7 percent of UK electricity demand, equivalent to some five million homes” (KPMG).

The project is expected provide 3200 MWe power to UK. This project would be a main feature of the Government’s priorities to encourage economic growth in the UK through the delivery of new low-carbon energy infrastructure.

A picture of construction of the plant (Image Credits: BBC)

Shanghai Urban Rail Transit Expansion

Shanghai Urban Rail Transit Expansion

The world’s largest rapid transit system by route length is the Shanghai Urban Rail or the Shanghai Metro. And now, it is going to be even longer. It is already one of the fastest growing systems- with 120 km already under construction. But now, “nine rail projects including six subway lines and three intercity railways will be constructed from 2018 to 2023” (SCMP) have been approved to be part of the metro project.

“The projects are estimated to total 286km and will cost 298.35 billion yuan or $43.3 billion. The network is aimed at creating better connections between the financial hub’s two airports and two major railway stations” (SCMP). This is all more important as more than half of the trips made in Shanghai are on public transportation in Shanghai, where railways contribute to 60%. It would be interesting to see if New York follows suit and expands its subway network.

A picture of the Shanghai Metro (Image Credits: UrbanRail.Net)