Interstate Rail ?

Recently, I came across an article written in 2001 by J.H.Crawford entitled Interstate Rail: Adapting the Interstate Highway System to Rail Use. Mr. Crawford advocates that the Interstate highway system has the benefit of an already dedicated right of way which is engineered to a standard that would require little retrofitting for conversion to rail use. He envisions the use of the center strips and center most lanes being converted to rail use, or where necessary elevated rail track constructed. Given that the most significant cost of all transit and highway projects is the cost of the land acquisition by eminent domain, Mr. Crawford's idea is worth a second look by our leaders since the rights of way are in place. Sure, some engineering and land acquisition would be required for certain aspects of an Interstate Rail system, but the idea of it is intriguing. As real estate professionals the development and financing of stations, junctions and stops could make for some wonderful urban commercial and residential developments. Can you picture high speed passenger trains running along I-71 from Louisville to Cleveland; and along I-75 from Lexington to Detroit ?.