Spring start eyed for construction of Vegas-to-So Cal rail line
Brightline West plans to begin construction on the approximately 170-mile rail line between Southern Nevada and Victorville, California, as early as the spring, according to a project status update filed Jan. 4 with the Nevada High-Speed Rail Authority. In addition to the planned Las Vegas to Victorville track, Brightline is also working on potential links to Rancho Cucamonga and Palmdale, California, where riders could then link to downtown Los Angeles via Metrolink. [reviewjournal.com]
FTA funds NJ-NYC Portal North Bridge Project
The U.S. DOT’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a $766.5 million Capital Investment Grant (CIG) agreement with New Jersey Transit Corporation (New Jersey Transit) for the Portal North Bridge Project in Hudson County, N.J. The project will improve the reliability of commuter rail service between New Jersey and New York by increasing capacity and reducing bridge maintenance expenses of the 100-year old bridge. [rtands.com]
Latest phase of Del Mar bluff stabilization completed
The latest phase of erosion-prevention work on the Del Mar bluffs rail corridor has been completed. The bluffs regularly experience roughly six inches of erosion per year on average — largely due to storm and irrigation runoff as well as sea level rise. Phase 4 work began in May 2020 and included the installation of stabilizing support columns, as well as new and improved drainage and outfalls. Phase 5 will begin next year. Meanwhile, alternatives to completely move the tracks off the bluffs are being evaluated. The corridor serves nearly 8 million passengers annually. [10news.com]
Chicago’s Metra to buy up to 500 new rail cars
Metra will begin adding dozens of new rail cars to its fleet in 2024, tricked out with amenities like bike racks and video screens. The Chicagoland transit agency’s board has approved the $1.8 billion purchase of up to 500 of the new multilevel cars from Alstom Transportation. The cars will also be equipped with charging outlets, cupholders, armrests and storage for bags. Metra will initially order 200 of the new cars, which will have an advanced HVAC system to clean circulated air. The agency will have the option of purchasing up to 300 more cars. [chicagotribune.com]
MAD’s massive train station blends old and new
Construction is underway on Train Station in the Forest in Jiaxing, China – an ambitious new project by the country’s cutting edge MAD Architects. The project consists of the station and rail lines, a series of public plazas, and the replanting of an adjacent forested park. The station concourse, as well as platforms, a waiting hall, and commercial space, will be underground. Transport links will be added and solar panels are being installed, and there will be an overall focus on natural lighting. The station, which is scheduled to open in July, is expected to host 5.28 million passengers per year. [newatlas.com]
