The US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has outlined its preferred route for the planned Texas Bullet Train as part of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).
FRA approved the route between North Texas and Houston for the all-electric train as part of the development, as well as identifying passenger train station locations for the network.
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The DEIS was completed after nearly four years of work and intends to provide an outline for the high-speed train’s planning, design and pre-construction phases, while ensuring the environment is safeguarded throughout the 240mi route.
A number of experts, including engineers, biologists and natural resource technicians, geologists and others have contributed to the report.
The participating personnel evaluated the potential impact of the high-speed project on the environment and analysed various avenues to protect and preserve natural resources, flora and fauna along the route.
It also includes input from the general public, in addition to landowners, community groups and elected officials.
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By GlobalDataUS Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said: “Safe, accessible and efficient regional rail systems are an important component in the transportation networks of many areas.
“As proposed, these rail projects would increase travel options and promote economic growth in their regions of the country.”
Texas Central is developing the train service in order to connect the two largest urban and economic centres in the state with a travel time of less than 90 minutes, with a stop in the Brazos Valley.
Texas Central CEO Carlos Aguilar noted that the findings from the DEIS will be used by the design and construction teams to incorporate more details into the development’s planning, costing and scheduling.
Aguilar added: “Thousands of hours have been spent to ensure the Texas Bullet Train will be constructed and operated in a way that gives Texans a choice for the safest mode of transportation in the world.”
