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High-speed rail could be the next transportation frontier in Oregon. But whether that frontier is reached anytime soon is dependent on the results of a $10 million study by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

鈥淲e look at highway projects and how they impact communities, but rail is new to Oregonians in many ways,鈥� said Jyll Smith, public information officer for ODOT. 鈥淲e have to ask, 鈥榃here do we want to be? What kind of railways do we want crossing our state?’ 鈥�

The study, partially paid for by the federal government, examines ways to improve rail service along the Oregon portion of the Pacific Northwest rail corridor, specifically the 125-mile segment between Portland and Eugene.

It will determine whether the existing railway should be adjusted or replaced 鈥� both options could involve implementation of high-speed trains. A third 鈥渘o-build鈥� option also will be explored.

Results will be based primarily on an environmental impact study and 鈥渟coping鈥� 鈥� collection of public information to determine project feasibility and scope.

鈥淲e’re building up to high-speed rail; we’re taking small steps,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淲e want to reach out to the public to hear what they want and to look at the viable possibilities.鈥�

The impetus for the study is the federal government’s $8.1 billion investment into high-speed rail; $814 million of that is designated for projects in the Northwest rail corridor.

The investment was made because high-speed rail is needed to meet travel demands of growing populations, according to Michael England, spokesman for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Conventional passenger rail operates at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. High-speed rail operates at speeds of at least 110 mph.

鈥淭he changing travel habits of Americans are shifting, and investments in high-speed rail are a direct response to those changes,鈥� England said. 鈥淗igh-speed rail creates new choices for travelers in addition to flying or driving.鈥�

Complaints arising from the Portland-Eugene railway usually involve timing. Because the railway is owned by Union Pacific, freight trains sometimes hinder passenger trains, Smith said. Additionally, passenger trains are not able to use the railway enough to meet demand.

A new railway would let passenger trains travel more frequently. It also could introduce tracks through towns that currently do not have railway access, like Corvallis. However, construction would cost significantly more than existing railway adjustments 鈥� including corner replacements.

The study examines a number of possible new routes, including one directly alongside Interstate 5. Others would go through Corvallis or follow the route of the former Oregon Electric Railway, which operated in the early 20th century.

One worry is that certain routes could go through heavy agricultural areas, and possibly damage some farmers’ properties. ODOT will meet with the farming community many times before any final decisions are made, Smith said.

If the project were to move forward, the railway would create many more jobs than it would eliminate, England said.

鈥淗igh-speed and intercity passenger rail investments position the country to better respond to the changing travel habits of Americans while generating jobs (and) spurring economic development,鈥� he said. 鈥�(It) fosters urban and rural community development.鈥�

The study also is looking at the train technologies that would be used. For example, engines could be electric or diesel-electric.

Public meetings for the study have already begun. Open houses have occurred in Salem, Oregon City, Albany, Lake Oswego and Portland. Another open house will take place today in Eugene. These meetings will continue until ODOT submits a recommended plan to the U.S. Department of Transportation in late 2014. The DOT will make a final decision in 2015.

When asked to give an honest opinion on whether high-speed rail will realistically happen by then, Smith seemed uncertain. However, she did promise that the study will lead to major changes.

鈥淚 don’t know if it’s in our lifetime, but it’s realistic that improvements in passenger rail will come from this,鈥� she said.