California High-Speed Rail Delayed Until After the 2028 Olympics

California High-Speed Rail, a $12.4 billion project, won’t meet its 2028 Olympic deadline due to construction delays. Officials confirm operations are expected to begin in December 2028. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The railway will connect Las Vegas, Nevada, to Rancho Cucamonga, California, covering 218 miles. Trains are designed to reach speeds of 220 mph, enabling a trip under two hours. Passengers will then transfer to California’s Metrolink system to reach Los Angeles.

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Why the California High-Speed Rail Delay Matters?

Brightline West officials previously promoted the rail as an essential service for Olympic spectators. In May 2023, Brightline CEO Mike Reininger envisioned connecting Las Vegas and Los Angeles seamlessly. This plan included enabling fans to attend events in both cities within the same day.

However, current projections confirm the line won’t open before December 2028, months after the Olympic closing ceremony in August. Despite groundbreaking in April 2022, KTNV reports that active construction has yet to begin.

Financial and Construction Challenges

Brightline West disclosed its timeline in documents tied to a $2.5 billion bond offering. Las Vegas Review-Journal reports confirm construction delays revealed in these filings. The company’s website maintains the project will take four years, but no month is specified.

Soil testing along the route has been conducted, but significant construction milestones remain unachieved. Ticket pricing is projected at $119 for standard fares and $133 for premium seats. Renderings of the train’s modern design have been widely shared online.

California High-Speed Rail’s Future Prospects

Although the project misses the Olympics, it promises transformative transportation for future passengers. When complete, the railway aims to redefine travel between two major cities. Brightline’s delays highlight challenges in delivering large-scale infrastructure on time.

For now, the California High-Speed Rail remains a long-term vision for advancing regional connectivity. Travelers and stakeholders await its completion beyond the 2028 Olympic games.

Source: www.newsweek.com

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