Another idea for high-speed rail

MorganHillTimes.com | Bullet train should run down the middle of U.S. 101

OPINION > EDITORIALS
3 votes

Bullet train should run down the middle of U.S. 101
Apr 3, 2009
By Morgan Hill Editorial Board

Voters OK $10B bond to begin project

The bullet train is coming, like it or not.

Even though voters approved a $10 billion bond to partially fund the construction - estimates to complete the project are $40 billion and many believe that is a conservative number - many are unsure of what exactly they got themselves into. The train is expected to reach speeds of 220 mph as it ferries passengers between Los Angeles and San Francisco and, with a station in Gilroy, officials say it could transform South Valley into a hub of activity. But will that activity come with a price?

Elevated tracks could split the community

One concern is the possibility that tracks, which would likely be elevated through Morgan Hill along the existing Caltrain line owned by Union Pacific, could separate neighborhoods. It might require the construction of sound walls, disrupt traffic, block views of the hills, and "create a social barrier that's unnecessary," City Manager Ed Tewes told reporter Sara Suddes. A second, perhaps more serious obstacle, are the tracks proximity to Union Pacific's tracks.

"We get skittish when there's talk about putting our trains next to trains that are very light, fast and carry passengers," said U.P. spokeswoman Zoe Richmond.

Run the train down U.S. 101

The idea of a train the could get passengers to Los Angeles in about two hours is a good one. The population of California, now about 36 million, is expected to reach 45 million by 2020. Getting people out of their vehicles and taking less plane flights can only help.

So the solution then is to run the train down the large median of U.S. 101 which already splits the city.

"We have long supported alignment on or adjacent to U.S. 101," Tewes said, pointing out the freeway already divides the town.

And Supervisor Don Gage encouraged South County officials to speak up early and often, lest they get "stepped on." Now is the time to lobby for the location that best suits South County: Down the middle of U.S. 101.

Contact officials at the California High Speed Rail Authority at www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/contact.htm or call (916) 324-1541 .