Pennsylvania High Speed Maglev Project Daniel R. Disk and Frank M. Clark MAGLEV, Inc. 1905 Technology Center, 1100 Industry Road, Box 11 Mc Keesport, PA 15132, USA Telephone: (412) 948-1905/ Fax: (412) 948-1051 Email:
[email protected],
[email protected] Author: Director of Engineering, Co-Author: Senior Vice President Keywords EIS, Environmental Impact Statement, Fabrication, Maglev, Transrapid Abstract This paper discusses the implementation plans for the Pennsylvania High Speed Maglev Project in the United States. Western Pennsylvania’s rugged terrain, rivers and geographic features provide multiple challenges to the technology supplier as well as in the fabrication, construction and installation of the guideway for the maglev system. The impact of these challenges on the development of the project is discussed. Currently the Pennsylvania Project is developing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project with various alignment alternatives having been identified and studied. Alignment alternatives, EIS status, planned construction techniques as well as operating plans, safety methodology, support facilities, and advanced manufacturing and fabrication required to meet the guideway and rider comfort requirements are discussed. 1 INTRODUCTION The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has proposed the deployment of high-speed transportation systems using maglev technology in the United States. The purpose of this action is to promote the development and construction of an alternative transportation system in the United States, employing magnetic levitation technology capable of safe use by the public at speeds in excess of 386 kilometers per hour (240 miles per hour). The maglev technology utilizes non-contact electromagnetic forces to levitate, guide and propel vehicles over a fixed, elevated guideway.