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What is maglev?
Maglev stands for magnetic levitation. It is an advanced passenger and freight transport technology in which electronics and magnetic forces lift, guide and propel the train over an elevated track, called a guideway. Using all-electric power and state-of-the-art control systems, the need for wheels is eliminated. This allows for contact-free travel, excellent acceleration rates, and cruising speeds of 250 to 300 miles per hour.
What kind of study is underway?
A Feasibility Study is currently underway. This is the first step in the process of developing a new transportation project. The study will consider issues such as actual location of the maglev corridor, possible station locations, cost, public interest, needs for additional transportation options, environmental impacts, socioeconomic considerations, economic benefits, and any other issues to be considered if the project is to be constructed.
Who is conducting this study?
The Enterprise Center, Inc. of Chattanooga is conducting the Chattanooga to Nashville Maglev Feasibility Study. The Enterprise Center serves as an umbrella organization coordinating more than a dozen federally funded projects, many of which have a technology focus. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, The Center provides guidance and oversight, facilitates collaboration, and fosters communication for effective and efficient use of federal funds in the Chattanooga area. More information about The Enterprise Center can be viewed at http://www.chattanooga.gov/138_1863.htm
What are the possible corridor options for the maglev high-speed train?
Currently, a wide corridor between Chattanooga and Nashville is under consideration for the actual location of the maglev route. At this phase of the study, possibilities along I-24, US-41, and along the existing CSX railway tracks are under consideration. The final
alignment will result from the engineering and environmental studies and the public involvement process.
Where would stations be located?
Station locations under consideration at this time are at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, the Nashville International Airport, downtown Chattanooga, and downtown Nashville. There will most likely be stations in between the two cities, but those locations are unknown at this time.
Is maglev safe?
Yes. High-speed maglev is not only one of the fastest ways to travel, but one of the safest as well. The vehicle is designed such that it wraps around the guideway and cannot be derailed. In addition, with proper design, the maglev’s advanced propulsion control system makes the possibility of a collision impossible. The traveling electromagnetic field in the guideway that propels the vehicles moves the vehicles in the same location and direction at the same speed. It is therefore impossible for two vehicles to meet in a head-on collision or for one train to overtake or catch up to another. Also, maglev routes are designed with full grade separation so rail or highway crossings with trains or automobiles are eliminated. Maglev technology has been studied for years and found to be safe by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Is maglev noisy?
Maglev trains are much quieter than traditional railway trains at any speed. Not only are maglev sound levels noticeably lower, the quality of the sound — a “whoosh” instead of a high-pitched screech — is much less annoying.
How is the public involved in this study?
A comprehensive stakeholder participation plan has been developed for the Maglev Feasibility Study that will be implemented throughout the upcoming year. Members of the public will be informed about upcoming meetings in the community, and surveys will be available. Web site information will be constantly updated, and comments are always welcome via email at contact@cnmaglev.com. Gaining input from the community is a vital part of this study.
How can I share my comments?
Comments on the project may be submitted via email to contact@cnmaglev.com
Written comments may be mailed to:
ARCADIS U.S., Inc.
ATTN: Chattanooga to Nashville MAGLEV
1210 Premier Drive, Suite 200
Chattanooga, Tennessee
37421
In addition, comment cards will be available at all public meetings.
When is the next public meeting?
No official dates for public meetings have been set at this time. Please revisit our Web site at www.cnmaglev.com for updates on public meeting dates, times, and locations.
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