Workers will need to not only remove disabled trains, but also remove the tracks, regrade the rail bed, then lay down the tracks again, according to Finch.

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Although some of the payout extends beyond just a couple of years, us investing now in revamping our existing infrastructure and then starting to lay the foundation for things like high-speed rail can make all the difference in the world.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks to Press After Cabinet Meeting

Despite having to slow its originally rapid expansion plans, China recently increased its budget for railway investment this year by 16% and expects to lay 13, 000 km of high-speed rail by January 2013 -- more than the combined rail network installed across all Western countries over the past half-century.

BBC: Corporate rail travel on the rise