Re: On to Fallbrook? Not as crazy as it might seem....
Author: BOB2
Date: 10-11-2015 - 09:34
I've actually looked closely at a reconnection between Fallbrook and Temecula(and on up the 215 to Perris), as either a Metrolink connection, or a potential HSR connection, via the Coast through old "Los Angeles Junction" (by the New Naval Hospital off of I-5).
A new route, paralleling the California Southern original route between Temecula and Fallbrook is possible and feasible using modern construction techniques. A segment designed to 90 mph specification is possible, using two long tunnels totaling approximately 2.5 miles, through the mountains, and several bridges of nearly 1 mile in total length, which avoids the Canyon bottom and flooding which doomed the California Southern. Restoring the California Southern with a connection to LOSSAN would also appear to be a way more cost effective way to get so-called "HSR" from the IE to San Diego.
Imagine going from Oceanside to Temecula in about 18 minutes..... and being able to go directly from the IE to San Diego and the Northern County beach communities, via intercity or commute rail services.....?
CHSRA never did like ideas that connected to existing routes, carried more riders, or cost less for the San Diego extensions. Certain political and real estate interests favored the I-15 corridor, regardless of difficulty or costs, and a connection with the existing LOSSAN corridor (where the demand is real and costs lower) was never seriously considered. But, CHSRA was never ever really about meeting California's real travel needs or demands, it was always about a Koppish "vision" (apparently only of full contractor "troughs"....) that would just go very fast. So there never really was a need to analyze real alternatives based on present and future travel demands to determine the optimal investments to meet those goals.