Fundamental Ideas and Basic Concepts of HSR Route Selection in Complicated Urban Areas

Abstract: Up till now, no systematic studies on railway route selection in urban areas, HSR route selection in particular, have been taken in China. Based on the Shenzhen Railway Terminal Project and the Shenzhen-Shanwei Railway Project, research on HSR route selection in complicated urban areas has been conducted. An optimal route selection plan is determined after studying the local geological and environmental conditions and the complexity of tunnel construction. The research concludes that there are four major concerns in HSR route selection: the match between the new route and the urban planning, the potential economic return for the massive investment, the likely impacts of land expropriation on social stability, and the best synthesis of multiple controlling factors to meet the HSR standard. Moreover, six principles should be followed in railway route selection in complicated urban areas: the new route should be in alignment with the railway deployment; the route should align with the existing passage as much as possible; extensive analysis and in-depth demonstrations should be done to find the most appropriate combination of open and hidden excavation in tunnel construction; geological conditions and tunnel construction complexities are among the priorities; environmental sensitive sites and environmental vibration noise should be avoided as much as possible; special attention should be paid to the

relocation of the power supply, television and communication facilities and the rearrangement of tubes and wires.

Keywords:high speed railway (HSR); complicated urban areas; route selection; railway network layout