Nobody said they would run 80 in this stretch. They said the crossing signals will be calibrated to operate safely at 80 km/h using a test train that will travel at that speed under controlled conditions with additional temporary safety measures. That gives a margin of safety even if the eventual speed limit is lower.
The track received new rail, ties, and surfacing a couple years back. The remaining crossings have been rebuilt. Fencing has been installed.
So yes, the track is capable of higher speeds than the traditional 16 km/h. But what ML and the regulator will decide remains to be seen.
- Paul