Most of the sources I followed dried up after injunctions against construction were instituted late last winter, but I'm aware that those measures have been overturned. Those of us familiar with the rail industry, not to mention conditions inherent in any "heavy" infrastructural project, recognize that starting (or restarting) these things can't be accomplished overnight, but a visit to some of they more partisan, or less-researched general-interest sites will convice you that "the dirt is already flying"; also, the the current Bakersfield-Merced improvements (the one project actually under way) is now of no consequence due to the politicians' promised "pie in the sky".
So can anyone more familiar with the latest turn of events enlighten us as to exactly what's happening?
It has been difficult to obtain "unbiased" information. I see occasional articles about HSR, but none have been photo stories that show any actual construction, beyond a couple of pics showing ground cleared in a couple of places.
A recent article in the Los Angeles Times noted that they are evaluating different routes between the LA basin and Palmdale, which would require significant earthmoving. Whatever route they choose, they will need to construct major cuts, fills and tunnels to get any kind of "speed" through the mountains. The current UP (SP) route used by Metrolink through the Soledad Canyon, between LA and Palmdale/Lancaster, has some segments with speed limits ~35 mph. This is with completely-rebuilt and regraded heavy rail; the speed limits are driven by the mountainous topography and large number of curves on the line.
Update a few hours ago in the L.A. Times
State Supreme Court lets bullet train project go forward
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.