From: johnl@iecc.com   
      
   >> So the whole gauge thing is a mess as it is. Throwing in Standard Gauge   
   >> doesn't make it any worse really since Egypt at the other end of Cape to   
   >> Cairo is already Standard Gauge. Personally I think they should just   
   >> convert the main corridors to Standard Gauge as is being done in many   
   >> other parts of the world.   
   >>   
   >   
   >Would conversion to standard gauge be cheaper than just building a new line?   
      
   I would think so.  The right of way is already there.  In some places   
   they'd have to widen it, but for the most part, they'd just lay new   
   track.   
      
   It's also not impossible to make it dual gauge if they want to keep   
   using existing rolling.  That used to be quite common.   
      
   Fun fact: the famous Niagara Falls suspension bridge was originally   
   triple gauge.   
      
   --   
   Regards,   
   John Levine, johnl@iecc.com, Primary Perpetrator of "The Internet for Dummies",   
   Please consider the environment before reading this e-mail. http://jl.ly   
      
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