This paper examines the impact of political and geographic polarisation on high-speed rail (HSR) projects in the United States. Drawing from opinion polls, newspaper articles and election results, this paper demonstrates that sub-urbanisation and the construction of the interstate highways have fostered a geographically polarised political climate that serves as a barrier to the implementation of HSR in the United States. In examining these factors, this paper contributes a more comprehensive look at how the American built environment has impacted its political discourse and attitudes towards intercity rail. This analysis is particularly necessary as prior research on HSR in the United States has primarily focused on economic or technical impediments, and discussions of its politics have been focused on projects in specific states.
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