Have not heard from Colorado in a while with respect to HSR, but Colorado DOT is still working on plans for a high speed rail line along the I-70 corridor. But they are looking at Advanced Guideway Systems, not necessarily a standard HSR system according to this newspaper article.
Here is a political element that comes into play with AGS plans such as this:
Having a completed rail line by 2025 is rather ambitious, especially if they have not settled on the technology. If they select a specific guideway design that is not conventional 4'8" track or compatible with HSR trains, that would prevent the tracks into the mountains from ever being used for a future HSR line to Salt Lake City or Las Vegas such as Xpress West has proposed for future expansions.The Colorado Department of Transportation is eying the future by developing the plan to build an advanced guideway system (AGS) — basically high speed trains — along the Interstate 70 corridor to connect to other systems planned for the Front Range.
Last week, representatives from CDOT's Division of Transit and Rail met with consultants, Eagle County staff, and Commissioners Peter Runyon and Sara Fisher. Representatives from Vail and Avon were also at the meeting. The CDOT members said the goal is to have the AGS operational by 2025.
Here is a political element that comes into play with AGS plans such as this:
Too bad, but if the AGS or HSR line collapses air service to a regional airport and consolidates it at Denver International, so be it. Besides, the long term economic and air service prospects for regional airports such as Eagle County are rather poor with higher oil prices.Some impacts CDOT promised to investigate include those on communities and the airport. An AGS might result in more people living in the mountains and commuting to Denver on the system. That could change the nature of a community. Further, Eagle County Regional Airport Director Greg Phillips said there will surely be some impact on flight service at the airport.
“We want to be wary about collapsing air service here,” he said. “If it becomes so easy to get to Denver International Airport, where a flight might be cheaper, people might just go there instead. Part of this study should consider that impact to the airport.”