Skip to main content

Hyperloop feasibility study confirmed for Kansas City

Black Veatch in partnership with Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) and the University of Missouri System will conduct a feasibility study of an ultra-high-speed hyperloop route along I-70 in the state on behalf of The Missouri Hyperloop Coalition. The proposed route would connect a combined five million residents in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis with a journey time under 30-minutes. The study will analyse the technical alignment as well as the potential economic impact and benefits of integrating hyperloop
February 2, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

Black Veatch in partnership with Virgin 8535 Hyperloop One (VHO) and the University of Missouri System will conduct a feasibility study of an ultra-high-speed hyperloop route along I-70 in the state on behalf of The Missouri Hyperloop Coalition. The proposed route would connect a combined five million residents in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis with a journey time under 30-minutes.

The study will analyse the technical alignment as well as the potential economic impact and benefits of integrating hyperloop into the I-70 corridor. It will also outline the next steps required for a hyperloop project, which include creating a cost estimate funding model with the intention of enabling it to move forward.

Missouri proposed the route to VHO two years ago as part the Missouri Department of Transportation's (MoDOT’s) Road to Tomorrow project which aims to promote innovation along the corridor.

Michael DeMers, director of innovative partnerships and alternative funding at the MoDoT, said: "MoDOT is committed to delivering transportation solutions of lasting value and moving passengers and freight across Missouri safely and reliably. The State of Missouri will be a beneficiary of the feasibility study, and we look forward to contributing data and information to the study. We are especially pleased that the private sector is taking the helm and MoDOT will be able to participate without using Missouri taxpayer dollars.

Rob Lloyd, CEO of VHO, said: “By embracing innovations like hyperloop, Missouri can enhance its competitiveness and dramatically alter the way people and goods move. A hyperloop connection between the state's two thriving cities can help provide millions of residents with greater access to jobs and opportunities -- giving Missouri an undeniable edge in attracting new business and talent."

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • FIEC joins coalition: more EU budget for transport
    October 30, 2017
    The European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) has joined a coalition of stakeholders to promote a stronger EU budget for transport after 2020. It believes that there are transport infrastructure projects that require a commitment from the EU and national public authorities which are vital for the EU’s competitiveness but do not generate the necessary return on investment to attract private investors.
  • US economic stimulus package highlights ITS technology
    July 17, 2012
    US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood talks to ITS International about economic stimulus funding and the absolute need to maintain and increase the use of technology in transportation. Of the total of $787 billion of funding announced under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the economic stimulus package which was signed into law by US President Barack Obama on 17 February 2009, $48.1 billion will go to the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). Of that, $27.5 billion is for highway in
  • Inrix informs FHWA’s data improvements
    December 19, 2017
    Refinements in the data available from the US Federal Highway Administration will improve road management across America. David Crawford reports. In August 2017, the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued the first results from an upgraded version of its National Performance Management Research Data Set (NPMRDS). Developed to identify the locations and times of high congestion affecting traffic flows along America’s 259,000km (161,000 mile) national highway system, this is a key resource for sta
  • Canada invests in new Asia-Pacific Gateway transportation infrastructure projects
    July 30, 2015
    The Canadian government has announced an investment of approximately US$12 million for nine Asia-Pacific Gateway transportation infrastructure projects in British Columbia that support Asia-Pacific trade and boost the competitive advantages of Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway. These new projects will create jobs and economic growth by reducing bottlenecks, addressing capacity issues and enhancing the efficiency of the transportation system in moving goods, services and people to and from the fast-growing As