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Beginning tonight and continuing into next week, Amtrak plans to operate test trains at 165 mph in four areas covering more than 100 miles of the Northeast Corridor.

Using Acela Express equipment, the faster trains will be tested along the following sections of track: 21.3 miles between Perryville, Md., and Wilmington, Del.; 22.9 miles between Trenton and New Brunswick, N.J.; 29.2 miles between Westerly and Cranston, R.I.; and 27.8 miles between South Attleboro and Readville, Mass.

Amtrak is considering operating trains at up to 160 mph along those track segments.

Amtrak currently is advancing design, engineering and other pre-construction activities for a $450 million project designed to upgrade track, electrical power, signal systems and overhead catenary wires along the New Jersey test section. Once the project is complete, the railroad will be able to operate faster trains along the segment. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2013 and conclude in 2017.