Texas Central has its construction contracts and a court decision in its favor, but significant obstacles remain for the high-speed rail project connecting Houston and Dallas to get underway.
"Privately funded high-speed rail developer Texas Central has signed a $16 billion 'final agreement' with Italian firm Webuild Group and its U.S. subsidiary Lane Construction Corp. to build its 236-mile line connecting Dallas and Houston," reports Marybeth Luczak. The announcement comes with a large caveat, however: the project has yet to secure funding to pay the new contractors.
Luczak details some of the difficulties in reporting on the project, saying Texas Central and its media relations contractors have not been willing to provide much specific detail on proect financing. Available information about project financing has not been updated since fall of 2020, according to Luczak, despite recent inquiries.
Texas Central media representatives were willing to estimate the launch of construction in late 2021 or late 2022.
According to the article, Webuild is planning to replicate performance metric established by the Japanese Tokaido Shinkansen system, operated by Central Japan Railway Co., with train speeds of up to 200 mph.
"The system is planned to link Dallas and Houston, with an intermediate station west of Roans Prairie in Grimes County and near Texas A&M University, on a dedicated right-of-way. Travel time is being advertised at less than 90 minutes. Webuild estimates that approximately 6 million riders will use the train by 2029 and 13 million by 2050," according to Luczak.
In other news related to the project, the Texas Supreme Court declined a case that attempted to block Texas central from using eminent domain to acquire right of way for the project. Kim Roberts reports on the demise of the case made by homeowners against the project in an article for The Texan.
FULL STORY: Texas Central: Contractor Secured. Funding?
Eminent Domain Questions Still Dog Texas Central High Speed Rail Plans
The Texas Attorney General took a break from its crusade against unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud to weigh in on a controversial question of property rights.
Texas Central High-Speed Rail Gets Green Light From Feds
The Federal Railroad Administration has granted two key permissions for Texas Central to operate a high-speed trail between Houston and Dallas.
$14 Billion Deal for Texas High-Speed Rail Construction
Italian construction giant Salini Impregilo will build the high-speed rail route connecting Houston and Dallas.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service