NJ Transit Converting Diesel to Straight Electric Mode

At 2:28 the dual mode ALP-45DP pulls a passenger train in diesel mode. At 3:09 the pantogrph rises to convert to electrical operation.
At 5:48 another train pulls in by an ALP-45DP in diesel mode. At 6:23 the pantograph rises for conversion to electrical operation.

Electrification Clearance for Double Stack Container Freight Trains

Electrified railroad lines have adequate clearance for double stack freight car operations. Pictured is the R1 SEPTA line in the vicinity of Philadelphia. The demonstrated clearance is on a former Reading Railroad electrified line now owned and operated by SEPTA.

From the top of the rail to the top of the double stack container is no more than 20 feet and 3 inches.
See: www.ttx.com/equipment/listing/intermodal/double-stack-wells.aspx/

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Electrification

Mr. Joseph R. Marchinchin recently  published in the October 2013 issue of TRAINS Magazine an article entitled "Conrail's Electric Dreams." Mr. Marchinchin described the findings of an electrification study done in 1978. Estimated costs in current dollars for catenary, substations, communications, signal systems, civil reconstruction, design and engineering, construction management is $2,184,210 a mile.

A comparison cost estimate by the University of Pennsylvania's School of Design was published in a 2010  report entitled, "Making High-Speed Rail Work in the Northeast Megaregion - Shaping the Future Through Strategic Transportation Investments." The per mile cost estimate was $2,580,484 for electrification.