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Design & Construction Companies Selected for Bullet Train Project

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On Monday, August 15, Texas Central announced the design construction firms that will spearhead the high-speed bullet train project on behalf of the Dallas company. The train, planned as a new commuter option between Dallas and Houston, has been a source of much speculation and a bone of contention for some, but the plans continue to proceed, and Fluor Corporation out of Irving has been chosen to assist in design for the proposed 240-mile line.

Design & Construction Companies Selected for Bullet Train Project

Photo: Facebook/Texas Rail Advocates

In a report by NBC DFW, Texas Central CEO Carlos Aguilar stated, “We are excited to partner with firms that have deep Texas roots. This underscores the attention the Texas Bullet Train has received from world-class firms, wanting to be part of a project that will revolutionize travel here and generate long-lasting local economic benefits.” The train is anticipated to connect Houston with North Texas in a matter of 90 minutes, with one midpoint stop in the Brazos Valley, at billions of dollars in cost. Previously, project drivers have indicated that this cost will not be sourced through federal dollars. They have also reiterated the value for dollar this opportunity brings. Robert E. Alger, CEO of Lane Construction (another partner recently identified for construction on the project) stated, “This will be America’s first true high-speed train. The project will create benefits for generations to come while providing an innovative transportation alternative for Texas commuters.”

Design & Construction Companies Selected for Bullet Train Project

Photo: Facebook/TIMES NOW

There has yet to be a schedule for the proposed completion of the high-speed railway. Bill Meadows, Tarrant Regional Transportation Council chairman, estimated in May of this year that it would be “early 2020s at the earliest.” Fluor Corporation has been dubbed the service provider for preliminary development on the project while Lane Construction is the preferred design-builder. The chief roadblock for Texas Central on this project is eminent domain – this refers to whether the company has the right to force landowners within the proposed path of the train to sell them the land needed to complete the project. In the meantime, Texans Against High-Speed Rail is a major opponent group that was formed in 2015 specifically to oppose the project, but the mayors of the major city centers have supported the project. What are your thoughts on the value for dollar, the eminent domain, and whether Texas needs such a commuter option?

References:

NBC DFW

WFAA 8