Since 1995, Amtrak and the state of Michigan have spent millions of dollars building an advance signaling system on Amtrak’s corridor line in southwestern Michigan for a possible train speed of 110 mph. In the fall of 2005, train speeds along the line were raised from 79 mph to 95 mph. Planners at the Michigan Department of Transportation are discussing plans this summer of a passenger rail network capable of speeds in excess of 200 mph. The Amtrak passenger train pictured above is destined for Chicago cruises through the city of Niles on June 24, 2006 along the designated high speed corridor. (Photo by J.R. Valderas)