This study was generated in response to AmTrack forcasting less service while requesting more in operating subsidies for FY 2004. The leaders of the Vermont House & Senate Transportation Committees wanted to know whether or not there was an alternative to escalating costs projected by AmTrak and to be borne by the state.

The purpose of this report is to present the institutional and financial strategy for implementing the Rt. 15 Corridor Improvement Plan, including the Burlington to Essex Rail Project, and to address the larger transit funding and institutional issues that are raised by the plan.

This report has been prepared to support the Environmental Assessment and Schematic Engineering Phase of the Burlington – Essex Rail Project for CCMPO and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans). The Burlington Rail Tunnel is located at milepost 1.15 on the Winooski branch of the New England Central Railroad (NECR) line and is an integral component of the rail line. The objectives of this phase of engineering are to: 1. Perform a visual assessment and evaluate structural integrity. 2. Review the applicable codes and regulations to determine the areas where the tunnel is considered to be substandard to support passenger rail service. 3. Identify the level of remediation required. 4. Develop alternatives to address the structural condition of the tunnel. 5. Prepare estimates of probable construction cost of alternatives.

Comprehensive study designed to present the existing and emerging freight movement issues and needs of the region, and logically plan for investments in the transportation system.

The Burlington-Essex Corridor Alternative Analysis Phase 1A Report recommended a multi-modal solution that included commuter rail, feeder bus service, and intersection improvements on Route 15 that was accepted by the CCMPO Board on September 26, 2001. The CCMPO Board formally approved the addition of the Route 15 Corridor Improvement Plan to the Chittenden County Long-Range Transportation Plan on March 20, 2002. The corridor plan serves as an “umbrella” for a number of proposed improvements within the Route 15 corridor and includes the Burlington-Essex Rail Project, along with highway and bike path improvements among others.

The Village of Essex Junction requested the MPO examine the automating a switch between the New England Central Railroad Mainline and the Winooski Branch of the New England Central Railroad, which travels to Burlington. In response to this request, the MPO has examined what it would take to automate the switch and presents the general findings in this report.

This report responds to a Congressional request to evaluate the capital costs associated with a proposed passenger rail route on the western side of the State of Vermont.

Identification / Assessment of Potential Locations, Descriptions of existing conditions, Cost estimates, Funding Strategies.

CCMPO engaged a team of consultants led by R.L. Banks & Associates, Inc., (RLBA) to assist CCMPO in determining the feasibility of passenger rail service in the Burlington-Essex corridor, assuming it operates as an extension of the Charlotte-Burlington passenger rail project. This report describes the analysis accomplished, as well as the conclusions and recommendations of the consultant.

Vermont Legislature mandated feasibility study to evaluate suitability of double stack traffic according to industry clearance standards.