Baton Rouge to New Orleans Intercity Passenger Rail Feasibility Study

HNTB prepared a feasibility study for identification of infrastructure improvements necessary to introduce intercity passenger rail service from Baton Rouge to New Orleans on tracks owned by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). The firm organized a workshop with CPKC along with Amtrak and FRA representatives to discuss the project and to lay out a process for navigating delivery of the feasibility study as the merger of CP and KCS moved forward. The HNTB team participated in a high-rail inspection trip and conducted site visits to the proposed rail stations in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, LaPlace, at Louis Armstrong International Airport and in Kenner.

The draft report included an assessment of existing infrastructure and recommended improvements based on four service plans that also outline how the service could be implemented through phases. Feasibility-level analysis for stations, ridership and revenue, capital, operating and maintenance costs, and financing options was produced as a first step in planning for future passenger rail service. Steps in the implementation section of the study include synchronization with the several grant applications submitted for funding of key elements of the service including two rail stations, railroad crossing elimination, replacement of the Bonnet Carre Bridge, Corridor ID and Fed-State Partnership grants.

Rendering created by HNTB and Manning Architects for the Baton Rouge Passenger Rail Station Master Plan, 2019.