Hyperloop: Things are actually happening

It’s been a while since we last talked about the alleged Hyperloop we’re getting but the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission hasn’t forgotten.

In fact, they’re pioneering the next step!

MORPC’s Rapid-Speed Transportation Initiative is an effort to explore quick and technologically savvy transportation methods including traditional passenger rail and Virgin Hyperloop One technologies to get people between Chicago, Columbus, and Pittsburgh.

Today, the MORPC named the lead consultants on the feasibility and environmental impact studies which are the first steps to getting you from Columbus to Chicago in under 30 minutes and to Pittsburgh in under 20. 

AECOM, a design, engineering, construction, and management firm with experience in both the private and public sectors, will conduct the feasibility study of Hyperloop technology for the corridor. 

This phase will include visioning and technology application, route planning, transportation demand and economic benefit analysis, regulatory framework and implementation strategy, project management, and stakeholder and public engagement.

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AECOM will be studying two separate routes but at a minimum will include routes to the following cities: Chicago, Fort Wayne, Lima, Marysville, Columbus and Pittsburgh.

The study is expected to be completed by March 2019

WSP USA, a professional engineering firm, will conduct Tier One of the environmental impact study (EIS) of the corridor which will include collecting data, documenting existing conditions, preparing a purpose and need statement, providing route alternatives and service alternatives for proposed routes, evaluating infrastructure investments, and coordinating public involvement.

The EIS is expected to be completed in July 2019.

“MORPC and its public and private partners in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania are excited to take this important next step in moving innovative transportation technology forward in Central Ohio and across the Midwest,” said William Murdock, MORPC Executive Director. “This is the first route in the world that incorporates Hyperloop technology into both a feasibility study and an environmental impact study. Adding AECOM and WSP to the RSTI team demonstrates our commitment to this effort.”

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