2016.11.14 Council Agenda Item 01
Summary
Presentation from the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) regarding an upcoming construction project in Falmouth and Cumberland known as "Royal Junction Siding" and Public Forum.
Public comment period will be included with this item (5 minutes).
ACTION: Council action is not anticipated.
Description
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) is planning to construct a second railroad track, or passing siding, within the railroad corridor owned by Pan Am Railways. Generally, this second track will be installed between Field Road in Falmouth and extend just past Greely Road in Cumberland. This project is known as the Royal Junction Siding. The project budget is $9.4M. Work is expected to begin in 2017 and continue into 2018.
The key operational benefit of the capacity gained from constructing the passing siding is that it increases the potential for trains operating on this existing stretch of single track to pass in opposite directions, as well as allow a faster passenger train to overtake a slower freight headed in the same direction. The additional track capacity will enable more frequent and efficient daily operation of Downeaster trains and freight trains between Brunswick and Boston. More information on the project can be found at http://www.nnepra.com/projects/royal-junction-siding.
Attachment: NNEPRA Presentation & Handout, November 14, 2016
