Amtrak higher speeds ?

[blue streak 1]

Well Amtrak is taking some baby steps towaards operating Acelas at scheduled speeds of 160 MPH at three locations.  They have petitioned FRA for authority.  FRA bureaucrats of course are putting up some roadblocks. 

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/amtrak-wants-acela-trains-to-go-faster/article/2568785

 

 

[blue streak 1]

 

 

From another source this application comes from the signal upgrades being complete from Ham to county.  Evidenty this only completed very recently 

 

1.  All tracks (4) are completely bidirectional.

2.  Outer tracks that go by platforms are being raised from 110 to 125 MPH.  This probably means NJT needs all their equipment operating on this portion to be qualified to 125.

3.  The signal system was 3 aspect  a. Clear --  track speed.  b.  Approach  --  30 MPH c. Restricting.  with full 562 cab signals now all 7 aspect   a. clear --  150  ( 160 when  approved  )  b.   clear 80.  c.  clear 60.   d.  approach medium  45   approach 30  e. restricting  f. stop. 

4.  All this will allow trains not to slow as much & running closer thereby improving fluidity.

 

 

[timz]

blue streak 1

Outer tracks that go by platforms are being raised from 110 to 125 MPH.

Are the platform edges at Pr Jct and Hamilton still 5.6 ft from track centerlines?