California's 'Other' HSR Line Receives Key Go-Ahead

"Construction of any new railroad line in the U.S. requires prior Surface Transportation Board approval.

The approval is conditioned on DesertXpress implementing 146 environmental mitigation measures recommended by an Environmental Impact Statement approved by the Federal Railroad Administration with input and expertise provided by the STB.

The company says it expects to begin final design and construction in 2012 with full (150 mph) service expected to begin by the end of 2016....It would run primarily adjacent to Interstate 15, the only freeway between Las Vegas, Nev., and Los Angeles."

While completely separate from the state High Speed Rail Authority, DesertXpress is counting on the construction of the HSRA line to provide a high speed rail connection to the Victorville vicinity from Los Angeles, ideally from the Palmdale station, 50 miles from Victorville - though the HSR Authority prefers a route that would eliminate that station.

Thanks to Association of American RRs: SmartBrief