California’s Brightline West High-Speed Rail Announces 2029 Completion Date

The Las Vegas-to-Southern California rail line was originally slated to open for service in time for the 2028 Olympics.

1 minute read

January 18, 2026, 10:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Rendering of white and yellow Brightline West train lounge car in motion.

Rendering of a Brightline West lounge car. | Brightline West /

The Brightline West high-speed rail project from Las Vegas to Southern California announced a new estimated completion date of late 2029, dashing hopes that the train would be ready in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The project, which started development in 2018, was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.  As Sam Stevenson explains in Newsweek, “Construction work is active at the site of the future Las Vegas train station, located off I-15 near the 215, though Brightline has not yet announced when track-laying will begin.” The train will run primarily along the I-15 corridor between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, where riders will be able to connect to regional Metrolink trains.

Thursday, January 15, 2026 in Newsweek

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A swamp in South Carolina with tall pale trees and Spanish moss in the water.

Satanic Place Names

From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.

15 minutes ago - The Daily Yonder

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight