High-speed rail projects tend to be riddled with challenges that can cause delays, controversy and cost overruns, but there are ways to make them run smoothly, according to a new study from AECOM.
The Dallas-based contractor’s report provides detailed insight into industry trends and how to succeed in delivering these highly challenging projects. The report is based on a survey of 112 senior decision makers involved in high-speed rail projects around the world.
Rail growth is key to decarbonizing the transportation industry, and the report predicts a surge in rail projects in the coming years. But rail projects in the U.S. typically take longer to complete and are more expensive than similar projects built in other countries, according to a separate analysis from the Eno Transportation Center. That’s in part because U.S. public transportation agencies rarely have the structure, authority or experience to undertake large-scale transportation construction projects.
Unique obstacles
Another challenge, according to the AECOM report, is that rail construction often takes longer than other large-scale projects, and this time frame poses risks: political parties may shift and public opinion may change as the rail line is developed.
Britain’s H2 project is one example of a project that has fallen victim to political change: when new Chancellor Rishi Sunak came to power last year, he halted the project, citing ballooning costs and mismanagement.
Moreover, inflation has hit these projects especially hard, causing budget overruns and impeding expansion. In fact, 73% of survey respondents in AECOM’s report are concerned that rising costs of construction, equipment and materials could cause projects already underway to be canceled.
Funding is also a major concern, as several high-speed rail projects have been stalled due to budget overruns. A notable example in the United States is California’s high-speed rail, which is currently facing a funding shortfall of over $100 billion, putting its full construction and full operational viability at risk.
Other major issues include disputes over eminent domain, property rights and rights of way. Inevitably, there will be people who support the idea of high-speed rail but are unhappy with how a particular proposal would affect them or who don’t see the benefits, according to the report.
The report also noted that complex approval and permitting procedures could lead to delays and additional costs.
best practice
While every high-speed rail project is unique, successful projects share a consistent approach, and the AECOM report outlines some best practices to streamline delivery.
New funding models. Strengthened regional and international collaboration. Decisive political leadership over the long term. New design and construction. Increased collaboration and industry outreach. User-centred design and engagement. Cost-aware design and disciplined cost management.
The evolution of railway construction
While many of these factors are beyond the control of the contractor, some are within their control. In fact, 79% of respondents are excited by the prospect of new construction methods that can reduce the time and cost required to bring a high-speed rail project online.
Examples include modular construction methods, standardization of key elements, more advanced machinery for tasks like tunnel excavation, etc. The tunnel is being built using cut-and-cover methods and the use of prefabricated arches has helped save time, cost and carbon, the report said.
Five years from now, energy-efficient design and low-carbon materials are expected to be two of the most influential innovations that can further increase the positive environmental impact of rail projects.
“One of the things I’m most excited about is that we aim to run entirely on renewable energy,” Brian Kelly, former CEO of the California High Speed Rail Authority, said in the report. “We own the land within the zoning rights to house solar farms, which also means we can provide service without putting a strain on the electric grid.”
How to build railroads better
How to finance high-speed rail infrastructure is a major issue due to the huge upfront costs. Public funding remains key, but there are some successful examples of private financing of such projects, such as the Brightline railroad in Florida and the upcoming Los Angeles to Las Vegas rail line.
Brightline demonstrates the importance of leveraging existing transportation corridors to expedite land acquisition and permitting, while simultaneously reducing costs. The public-private partnership model often requires greater financial rigor around adhering to project budgets, the report noted.
The report’s authors also say it is important to resolve land rights issues before projects go ahead. Strong government leadership, including planning, management and policy, is essential for success. Successful projects tend to shift public opinion, paving the way for new line developments and additional capacity.
“Big ideas and big plans can only go so far. To get through this inflection point in our growth trajectory, we need to get people to enjoy the high-speed rail experience and demonstrate the benefits,” Brightline CEO Michael Leininger said in the report.
