Arizona DOT Launches Key Phase of Rail Study Between Cities

Arizona DOT advances its intercity rail project between Phoenix and Tucson, after receiving federal approval for the first planning documents under the national Corridor ID program. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

In early 2024, Arizona DOT submitted a scope, schedule, and budget to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This step marked its formal entry into the Corridor Identification and Development Program.

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The FRA launched the initiative in 2023 to support new intercity rail corridors. Arizona’s inclusion underscores the potential for high-impact service between its two largest metropolitan areas.

A $500,000 federal grant allowed the agency to complete the initial planning phase. The next step is a full Service Development Plan, expected to begin after additional funding is approved in the coming weeks.

The plan will determine station locations, assess infrastructure upgrades, and evaluate future ridership and revenues. It will also set travel times, frequency of service, total costs, and define a rollout strategy.

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The proposed rail line would cover roughly 160 miles between Tucson and Buckeye, a fast-growing area 30 miles west of Phoenix. The FRA selected this corridor in late 2023.

Arizona DOT has allocated $10.6 million for the full plan’s development. This budget supports long-term visioning, technical analysis, and coordination across agencies and communities.

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By developing this service, Arizona DOT positions the state to enhance regional mobility, reduce road congestion, and offer travelers a reliable alternative to car travel.

If the plan is approved and implemented, this corridor could become a model for future intercity rail investments in the American Southwest.

Source, photo: www.progressiverailroading.com

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