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Alaska rail passengers might soon experience reduced travel times in the state’s busiest area.



Alaska Railroad Corp. (ARRC) is considering plans to increase passenger train speeds in the corridor between Anchorage’s airport and downtown, one of the railroad’s most congested lines. Based on findings from a noise and vibration study’s first phase, trains are not a source of vibration problems even when operating at speeds higher than currently attained, according to a prepared statement.



ARRC plans to use data from the recently-completed first phase to develop ideas for the Anchorage Rail Capacity Improvements Project. The railroad will use study results to determine existing conditions, seasonal variations, impacts at various speeds, and the differences between freight trains and lighter passenger trains.



Now underway, the second phase of the study aims to predict future noise and vibration levels associated with the various alternatives under consideration for capacity improvements.