Atlanta isn’t exactly known for our public transport. Sure, MARTA is wonderful, but it’s not as expansive throughout the city as many Atlantans would like–and getting outside of Atlanta via train is virtually impossible. (Of course, Amtrak runs through the city, but isn’t as accessible as some other cities’ public transport options.)
But there could be a new high-speed rail line on the horizon… and we’re THRILLED about the possibility!
Where would this new high-speed rail take Atlantans?
The destination for the possible new high-speed rail is Savannah, GA!
Savannah is a very popular beach vacation destination for Atlantans, so adding a railway to get there while avoiding traffic and pricy airline tickets would be incredible!
In addition to Savannah and Atlanta, possible stops along the way include:
- Augusta
- Athens
- Macon
- Milledgeville
- Statesboro
- Vidalia
When will the high-speed rail to Savannah be finished?
The current projection for a useable high-speed railway to Savannah from Atlanta is 2035, as long as everything goes according to plan.
10 years might seem far off, but GDOT has to make sure to do all the steps right, to ensure safety!
How fast would the train move?
Great question! According to Railway Supply, an industry publication for railway transport specialists,
Planners are leaning toward high-speed rail, which offers speeds over 125 mph.
So where are we in the process right now?
Right now, we’re looking at the logistics of the railway. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has already began a “feasibility study” to evaluate the proposed route.
According to Railway Supply,
Learn more about the Atlanta-to-Savannah Rail Line study on Railway Supply’s website, here!The study is considering three route types: using existing freight tracks, constructing entirely new lines, or a hybrid of both. Each option affects station locations, technology, and construction costs.