Is High Speed Rail Finally Happening?
The California High-Speed Rail project has been a topic of discussion and planning for decades. The first concept dates back to the late 1970s, with formal proposals starting in 1979 under Governor Jerry Brown. In 1982, a bill was signed to authorize $1.25 billion in bonds for a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Diego, though it failed due to economic and environmental concerns. The project gained renewed momentum in 1996 with the establishment of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, and in 2008, voters approved $9.95 billion in bond funding to kickstart the project.
And then we waited...
Recent optimism around the the project has been bolstered by several key developments. In 2023, the California High-Speed Rail Authority released updated business plans and project update reports that included revised budgets, schedules, and a focus on completing an initial operational segment (IOS) between Merced and Bakersfield. These updates have been coupled with new funding applications and contract awards for station design and construction.
Foster + Partners and Arup have now publicized renderings for the stations along the IOS which signals progress in design and planning, possibly driven by the Authority's emphasis on creating a viable operational segment that can demonstrate the project's potential benefits. Additionally, federal support and the prioritization of certain construction phases have contributed to renewed optimism.
We'd love to see it. It seems crazy to drive or fly between San Francisco and LA if there is a viable high speed rail alternative. The question is - are we there yet?
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#transportation #rail #architecture #design
