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Year:
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1984
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VTRC No.:
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84-R38
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Abstract:
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To show the trend toward modern high-speed rail systems, an overview of recent developments in the subject is presented. Countries such as Japan, France, Germany, England, and Canada, as well as the United States, are actively involved, with Japan and France having proven success records on their operating rail systems. Magnetic levitation guideway systems, being tested by Germany and Japan, promise speeds in excess of 250 miles per hour to compete with air transport for intercity travel. Numerous states in America have ongoing studies on how to finance and build high-speed rail or guideway lines between their major cities. Many such proposals involve the construction of rail systems in conjunction with existing interstate highways. In anticipation of proposals to use the interstate highways of Virginia in that way, this study outlines the technical problems involved and suggests several possible solutions.
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