Now we are starting to talk big bucks for this project but still no mention of where the money is comming from. One thing to ink the deal, another to get it funded.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-central-signs-1-6-billion-electrical-contract-for-dallas-to-houston-bullet-train/2622185/
Current project status at bottom of linked page below:
https://www.hsrail.org/texas?gclid=Cj0KCQjwk4yGBhDQARIsACGfAesF2776kZSudm0mj5IsBW5gmO1xJSd71m-085PcFD5cW6RACO3xDygaArGYEALw_wcB
Don't know, but I'm thinking the Japanese. They want this, and it's in their nature to think long term.
GrampDon't know, but I'm thinking the Japanese. They want this, and it's in their nature to think long term.
Don't overlook the Chinese - they are building HSR everywhere else in the world and it would be a real coup to do it in the USA.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Wow, it says on their website construction starts this year with testing to start in 2025, thats only approx 3 years for construction?
https://www.texascentral.com/media-center/
6 years sounds more realistic. Reconstructing 40 miles of I-41 around here with new major interchanges and expanded lanes took 7 years.
This is not the heavy construction of the line, unless I misunderstand what they mean by 'electrical contract'. Considering the probable speed (or more precisely the likely lack thereof) of actual grading and track construction, especially given the amount that will have to involve self-launching viaduct construction, I wonder if this is for the actual catenary distribution architecture or just for assuring the power infrastructure that will then supply the cat and signals, etc. to be built out once the track has been sufficiently completed... however many years from now that is.
Gramp6 years sounds more realistic. Reconstructing 40 miles of I-41 around here with new major interchanges and expanded lanes took 7 years.
Is that the MidWest I-41? Had this discussion with my Wisconsin relatives because that is where I grew up but I now live in the Dallas area. While some of the speed here in Dallas is due to a longer construction season. A good portion of the slowness in the Midwest has to do with politicians stretching the budget over 4-5 years vs 1-2 years. North Texas can construct new freeway interchanges in just one construction season, never saw that happen in Wisconsin. Additionally, Texas routinely hands out bonus' for early completion as an incentive for speed. Sometimes Wisconsin does and sometimes it does not. Road and highway construction is definitely faster in Texas vs Wisconsin by a factor of two or more.
Have all the land and easements been worked out? Have all the lawsuits been settled?
The way the pipeline in my part of the country was delayed by landowners, environmental lawyers, and judges, I'm amazed a project of this size is moving so quickly.
York1 John
York1Have all the land and easements been worked out? Have all the lawsuits been settled?
Don't know the answer to the first question. Answer to the second question is probably not. The landowner lawsuits will probably go on for years on appeal. In my view most of them are aimed at landing more money for the land as the landowner did not like the amount offered.
The I-41 segments were south end of Oshkosh through Appleton 441 interchange plus three miles of 441 and south end of DePere to north end of Green Bay. Now it's been decided to six lane Appleton to DePere because of heavy traffic and so many accidents. Supposedly six years.
In Wisconsin, when the dems are in power, Milwaukee and Madison get the projects. When the repubs are in power, projects are distributed throughout the state. Not being partisan in saying that. Just a point of fact. Have friend who has been close to the process a long time.
On another note, I drove back from a day trip to Chicago burbs 10 days or so ago. Heading north on 94 between Lake Forest and the Wisconsin line, we were astonished by how many cars zoomed by at 95+. Luxury cars of almost every stripe. Even a Rolls SUV. Seldom is there a cop on that segment in my experience. Then I thought, the Bucs/Nets tip-off at Fiserv was to be at 7:30pm. Maybe these people were rushing to get there as time was getting close. Anyway, have never seen something like that. Amtrak would never get that traffic. The Illinois Autobahn.
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