High-Speed Rail Line Between Las Vegas and California Receives New Funding

Article by : Erik Gibbs Dec 8, 2023

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On Tuesday, the high-speed train project envisioned by Brightline West to link Las Vegas and Southern California took a significant stride toward realization. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) disclosed the secured funding of $3 billion, marking a crucial milestone to initiate the construction phase.

The funding for this transformative high-speed rail initiative, as stated in a news release, is sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Senator Rosen underscored the importance of the project, highlighting that this groundbreaking high-speed rail initiative is poised to revolutionize Nevada’s tourism economy and transportation.

Previously, the US Department of Transportation had given the green light for $1 billion in private activity bonds, allowing borrowing by the states of California and Nevada.

Additionally, a grant of $25 million was awarded in June for the construction of passenger stations in Hesperia and Apple Valley, facilitating the connection of trains to downtown Los Angeles.

Brightline West is touting its $12 billion endeavor as the inaugural truly high-speed rail system in the United States, boasting trains capable of reaching speeds of 200 miles per hour as they zip past traffic along the Interstate 15 corridor.

The anticipated average travel time between Las Vegas and Los Angeles is projected to be 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The high-speed rail initiative by Brightline West aims to alleviate congestion on I-15 significantly, with an estimated annual reduction of 3 million cars on the highway.

This reduction is expected to translate into a decrease of over 400,000 tons of carbon emissions per year.

Additionally, the project is set to be a catalyst for employment, creating a total of 35,000 well-paying union jobs. Among them, 10,000 jobs are earmarked for union construction roles, while nearly 1,000 permanent positions will be available for operations and maintenance staff.

Brightline West asserts that the undertaking will yield substantial economic benefits, contributing over $1 billion in economic impact to the states of California and Nevada.

Brightline West has set its sights on completing its rail line in time for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking an ambitious goal. However, even with this optimistic target, the project is poised to span nearly two decades from its initial conception.

The inception of plans for a high-speed rail connection between Las Vegas and Southern California dates back to 2009 when the Federal Railroad Administration finalized a draft environmental plan for what was then known as DesertXpress. Subsequently, Brightline took over the project in 2018.

In a strategic move, Brightline secured 110 acres for its Las Vegas terminus station along Las Vegas Boulevard, positioned between Warm Springs and Blue Diamond roads, a mere three miles from the southern extremity of the iconic Las Vegas Strip.

Additionally, Brightline West is anticipated to feature a stop at the future Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, slated to open around 2037 in the vicinity of Primm and Jean, Nevada.