This paper summarises the study approach used in the Transamerica Transportation Corridor (TTC) Study. The TTC study area is about 3000 miles (4800km) long and 350 miles (550km) wide. It extends from Virginia to California, and lies between two Interstate Highways, I-40 to the south and I-70 to the north. Study issues, identified for evaluation during its analyses, include: (1) the Corridor's strategic role for the USA; (2) technological opportunities provided by the Corridor; (3) appropriate design features for the Corridor; (4) need and feasibility; and (5) location options. The study was exploratory, and designed to investigate the need for and feasibility of new approaches to transcontinental surface transport. approaches to transcontinental surface transport. The feasibility of alternatives was designed to be investigated at the levels of conceptual and institutional feasibility and corridor and segment applicability. The alternatives to be investigated are: (1) a conventional interstate highway; (2) an improved conventional railway, combined with a conventional highway; (3) an automated highway and truckway; and (4) a very-high-speed fixed guideway. Each alternative will be evaluated for possible joint use with utilities such as pipelines and fibre optic cables.
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