Chicago-Cleveland Hyperloop Estimated at $29.8 Billion

A feasibility analysis published today estimates costs and benefits for the still-unproven Hyperloop technology, as envisioned for a route connecting Cleveland and Chicago.

1 minute read

December 16, 2019, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Space X

Olga P Galkina / Shutterstock

Steven Litt reports the details of a feasibility analysis of a Hyperloop connecting Cleveland to Chicago, published today by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and the Los Angeles-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies.

"A high-speed hyperloop line that could zoom passengers through a vacuum tube from Cleveland to Chicago and Pittsburgh could cost from $24.7 billion to $29.8 billion to build, depending on variations in the route and stops along the way," explains Litt of the findings included in the feasibility analysis.

NOACA Executive Director Grace Gallucci is quoted extensively in the article explaining that the impetus for the study and the project is coming from the private sector, which would be expected to pay most of the costs of any project.

"NOACA’s not trying to push this," says Gallucci in the article. "NOACA wants to be part of the innovation and a leader, but that’s very different from pushing it. This is not our agenda."

The article includes details on how the technology is expected to work, along with data on the jobs and economic benefit the project's construction could deliver to the region's along the Cleveland to Chicago route.

Sunday, December 15, 2019 in The Plain Dealer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog