Texas Central has signed an early contract involvement (ECI) agreement with the Mass. Electric Construction Company for the Texas high-speed train.

The two companies intend to chalk out the cost, scope, and schedule for the construction contract throughout the rest of the year. The contract is slated to be signed later in 2019.

Mass. Electric’s scope of work will include the installation of the core system, critical safety elements such as all necessary power, signalling and communications equipment.

The core system is a major part of the N700SShinkansen technology that is being implemented in the Texas high-speed train. The project uses a ‘complete system approach’ in which parts such as the trains and infrastructure are designed to function as an integrated unit.

Texas Central CEO Carlos F. Aguilar said: “The Shinkansen total system approach has created performance unparalleled in the industry, having transported over 10 billion people safely.

“Marrying the experience of Mass. Electric with the dedication to the safety of an integrated system brings the project one step closer to construction and operation.”

Mass. Electric project director Mark Williams said: “This project draws on our extensive experience in delivering high-quality rail systems safely and effectively. We are excited to play a key role in the nation’s first high-speed train project.”

In February this year, Texas Central selected Resource Environmental Solutions (RES) as the ecological services partner for the Texas High-Speed Train.

Last year, Texas Central signed an agreement with Spanish train operator Renfe for the operation of the train project.

The Texas high-speed train will connect Houston and North Texas, with a journey time of 90 minutes.