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Construction of the fastest rail system in America, the California high-speed rail project, has reached a significant milestone. Building high-speed rail between downtown San Francisco and downtown Los Angeles has moved closer to reality following the last environmental clearance for the multi-billion dollar project. The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) Board of Directors has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of the final environmental document for the 38-mile segment connecting Palmdale to Burbank. This approval represents a crucial step in developing the high-speed rail network. The network is significant as it seeks to revolutionize travel across the state. That means the 463-mile project between the Bay Area and Los Angeles County has received environmental clearance. This is an important step before construction can begin.
The Significance of the California High-speed Rail Project
“This is a transformative project for the state of California as a whole, and today’s approval is a major milestone for connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles in less than three hours. It’s also transformational for Los Angeles County, connecting Palmdale to Burbank in a way that’s never been possible before,” said CEO Brian Kelly. The newly approved Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) clears the path for constructing a high-speed rail system capable of speeds up to 220mph. This section will reduce travel time between the Antelope Valley and the San Fernando Valley to just 17 minutes. Furthermore, the project will offer a rapid alternative to the congested highways. The project is expected to reduce congestion and boost California’s transport system upon completion.State of Affairs Regarding the Multi-billion Dollar Project
Authority Board Chair Tom Richards called the approval a historic milestone that closes the gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco. “We value our authority team and its tireless support and collaboration with local and regional agencies and stakeholders as we work together to improve transportation in California for future generations,’’ he said in a statement. The authority is nearing completion of environmental clearance for the full 494-mile Phase 1 system. Only the Los Angeles to Anaheim segment remains and is expected to be finalized in 2025. Meanwhile, construction continues on the 119 miles currently underway. It includes expanding the electrified high-speed rail from Merced to Bakersfield. Moreover, more than 25 active construction sites in the Central Valley are currently dedicated to that phase of the bullet train. It is still unclear when the California high-speed rail project will reach the Bay area.Apart from the California high-speed rail project, the state of California is involved in many projects. One is the Los Angeles International Airport Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP). The airport’s $5.5-billion Landside Access Modernization Program, or “LAMP,” completed several major components in 2021. Furthermore, construction milestones for the automated people mover will serve as its centerpiece. The Automated People Mover (APM) is a critical project for the future modernization of LAX. It is expected to provide reliable, time-certain access to the airline terminals for passengers, employees, and other users. |
