The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released on Monday the draft version of the environmental assessment report for the proposed Washington, D.C. to Baltimore high-speed loop.
The project would include a 35-mile twin-tunnel to transport passengers in high-speed autonomous vehicles. The privately-funded, underground high-speed facility is being considered by the Boring Company of Hawthorne, California. The project is expected to ease traffic congestion in the area.
According to the USDOT press release, the project in part would follow the right-of-way under the Baltimore Washington Parkway. In D.C., the proposed station terminals would be located on New York Avenue, northwest of Union Station. In downtown Baltimore, the will be in the Camden Yards area.
“The publication of a draft environmental assessment for this unique project demonstrates the Department’s commitment to preparing for the future of transportation across all modes,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao.
The release of the Environmental Assessment draft came after the launch of the new Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology (NETT) Council. The secretary tasked the internal deliberative body of the USDOT with identifying “jurisdictional and regulatory gaps arising from DOT’s review of new transportation technologies.”
The final approval for the project from the government will depend on the outcome of the review and public comments following which the draft will undergo modifications. The operational issues, including engineering and design details, will be addressed in future studies, according to the agencies involved.
Public comments on the draft can be submitted online. There’s a 45-day public comment period.
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