Texas Central Partners, the company responsible for developing high-speed train services from Houston to North Texas, has selected its preferred location for the planned Houston passenger station in the US.

The location is at the Northwest Mall site, situated near the interchange of US 290 and Interstate 610.

The announcement comes nearly a month after the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released the development’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which features a comprehensive environmental analysis of the project.

"Growing the smart way includes providing a wider choice of transportation options that goes well beyond more private vehicles and more roads."

FRA identified three possible station locations as part of the DEIS, including the Northwest Mall site.

Texas Central has selected the mall site as the preferred location as is will have a minimal impact on the environment and surrounding community.

The location is also situated in a high growth area, which will provide easy access to various employment centres and local transit systems.

In addition, it will allow the high-speed train to largely follow existing rights of way.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said: “Houston continues to grow. Growing the smart way includes providing a wider choice of transportation options that goes well beyond more private vehicles and more roads.

“The Texas Bulletin Train project fits the transportation paradigm shift I have called for, and now with the selection of a preferred location for the Houston station, we are one big step closer to boarding for an exciting trip to the Brazos Valley and on to Dallas.”

Texas Central also released maps and conceptual renderings of the station as part of the latest announcement.

The designs showcase a multi-level station on a 45-acre site, which includes traveller-friendly connections with the Greater Houston region.