I asked some acquaintances in Brightline who know all this stuff beyond just looking at Google Maps and Street Views and they said that there is enough space to make the curve. It is not going to be a high speed curve anyway. So I am happy to trust them, since they have more accurate information than I. There is enough set back space both on the North of Taft Vineland and on the East of the railroad alignment to make an elevated curve well within the parameters required apparently.
Since the old HS alignment is water under the bridge and is not under further consideration, discussing it seems a bit pointless at this point. The reason that CFRC likes this plan is because it automatically fulfills their Phase III allowing through running of trains from the N-S line to the Airport if desired, and in addition opens up the possibility of an East - West line without needing a separate maintenance facility for it.
Wow jis - this is great information.
I know that the old alignment is a pipe dream of mine and its unrealistic. It is not a real 'higher speed' segment, it would only shave seconds off the travel time, and it would adds property expense. The cost doesn't justify the result. The HSR also utilized the north side of Taft-Vineland where, as you said, there is more set back space.
The segment of combined N/S and E/W (OUC to Taft-Vineland) has several advantages. I hadn't considered Sunrail would need an additional MF. I thought they could lean on BL for heavy lifting they way the do occasionally with the AutoTrain facility for work they cant complete on their own. Another advantage is a simpler transfer station in a better spot (see below).
I had mentioned that the curve would be 'tricky'. (A disclaimer: I am an IT Design Engineer, however my original major was Civil, so I think I know - but really I know just enough to be dangerous). The Sunshine corridor running on the combo segment up the east side makes sense in many ways. It facilitates the aforementioned curve radius and a flyover would still separate traffic from N/S but allow crossover. What is also interesting is just north of the bridge where Orange Ave crosses over CFRC is the James Strates carnival rail yard. This property looks ideal for the transfer station. Access to Orange Ave, room for station, parking, etc. I am sure the people that you know at BL have plenty of research on that possibility.
www.google.com
