Last month, the United States Federal Railroad Administration announced plans to repair and expand the Northeast Corridor rail lines over the next 30 years.
The proposal could face obstacles if the incoming administration and Congress do not cooperate on reviewing the plan and providing the necessary funding.
The project would add tracks—bringing many sections to four tracks—and aim to cut travel time between New York City and Washington, D.C. by up to 35 minutes. The Federal Railroad Administration also recommended increasing regional and intercity train service.
Estimated costs for the upgrades range from $123 billion to $128 billion. While the incoming president has expressed caution about large expenditures, he has also pledged to invest in infrastructure, including highways, bridges and mass transit.
The corridor plan has been under development since 2012. Initial phases prioritize repairs along the existing Northeast Corridor before broader expansion. Early estimates suggest the work could support about 47,000 jobs per year over the 30-year program.