synonymouse Wrote:
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> As they say, don't quote me on this, but I think
> there is some elevated, maybe a lot, in the
> Corcoran segment. For diesel and freight it would
> have to be pretty chunky aerial too. My surmise
> is that freight railroads would try to avoid
> elevateds because of higher maintenance costs over
> the long term vs. at grade. I am thinking of all
> those deteriorating railroad bridges back East.

The image in that article, linked below, indicates that you are right about the amount of elevated track. I would have thought it's easier and cheaper to build overpasses for the crossing roads and highways and keep the rails on the ground.

For Fresno, it seems like they would have to demolish all the existing overpasses if the track is to be elevated. Then they'll have to elevate the UP tracks as well.

The HSR track will of course include a number of features that are uninteresting to a freight railroad. Electric overhead wires and installations for one.

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