High-speed rail project to connect Victorville and Palmdale

The High-speed rail project connecting Victorville and Palmdale is gaining momentum as HDR is selected to lead engineering and design, linking with the future Brightline West system in Southern California. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The 54-mile route will bridge Victor Valley and Antelope Valley, serving as a vital link in California’s growing high-speed rail network. It will directly connect with Brightline West’s Victorville station.

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Brightline West plans to construct 218 miles of track with stops in Las Vegas, Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Rancho Cucamonga. This link will expand travel options across California and into Nevada.

In July 2024, Victorville Mayor Elizabeth Becerra and other officials backed the high-speed rail project. They also signed major labor agreements to ensure union participation in construction, operations, and maintenance.

High-speed rail project to boost regional growth

HDR noted that the corridor would offer better access to jobs, housing, and cultural venues across the High Desert region. Trains are expected to reach speeds of up to 180 mph.

This east-west corridor will run from Antelope Valley’s multimodal hub in Los Angeles County to Brightline West’s future station in San Bernardino County, making travel faster and more efficient.

HDR Project Manager Girair Kotchian stated the initiative would support millions of travelers and generate billions in economic activity. He emphasized the project’s regional significance and transformational potential.

High-speed rail project enters engineering phase

HDR will provide rail design, station integration, bridge planning, systems design, and environmental services. The firm will also manage stakeholder engagement, right-of-way coordination, risk management, and procurement strategy.

Matt Tucker, HDR’s Global Transit Director, highlighted the team’s ability to handle large infrastructure projects. He said the rail corridor would create new opportunities across Southern California and beyond.

Currently, the project is finalizing environmental reviews and preliminary engineering. Construction is anticipated to begin in the early 2030s, signaling a new chapter for high-speed travel in the U.S.

Source: www.yahoo.com

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