Georgia DOT is seeking a consultant to study the feasibility of passenger rail between Atlanta-Savannah. A Henry County stop could be possible if the eventual route passes through Macon.
The state DOT is accepting applications through February 6, 2023. A second round of proposals with selected finalists will follow before the state awards a final consultant.
Atlanta-Savannah Rail
Rail service between Atlanta and Savannah existed up until 1971 via the Nancy Hawks train. The route passed through stops in Griffin and Macon. When the formation of Amtrak consolidated passenger rail operations nationwide, the route did not continue. Nowadays, a passenger must travel through North Carolina if they wish to travel by rail between the two cities. Such route requires twenty-nine hours and multiple trains to complete.
The reintroduction of passenger rail service between the two cities is part of Amtrak’s long-range vision for the country. Amtrak envisions a route through Macon — a near certainty to pass through Henry County if built. However, the GDOT request for qualifications contemplates a second possible route via Athens and Augusta. Either route measures between 250 to 270 miles in length. The state’s consultant will be tasked to identify the optimal route.
The state’s consultant will develop a passenger rail service development plan. The plan will include, but not limited to, the following:
- route option analysis,
- service level analysis,
- identifying infrastructure needs,
- a financial plan, and
- an environmental impact study.
The plan will likely require several years to complete because of federal environmental requirements.
Featured image shows Amtrak passenger rail train. Stock photo.
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