Urbanism
Connecting Las Vegas to Southern California: Brightline West Breaks Ground on America’s First High-Speed Rail Project
Brightline West breaks ground on America’s first high-speed rail, connecting Las Vegas to Southern California. Making history!
In a groundbreaking event on April 22, 2024, Brightline West officially started the construction of America’s first true high-speed rail system. This monumental project will connect Las Vegas to Southern California, covering a distance of 218 miles. The vision behind Brightline West is to provide a transportation solution for city pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive. This innovative rail system will run fully electric, zero-emission trains capable of reaching speeds of 200 miles per hour, making it the greenest form of transportation in the world.
The significance of Brightline West goes beyond its environmental benefits. It is a watershed project that will establish the foundation for a new industry and supply chain in high-speed rail in America. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill has provided $3 billion in funding for this project, with the remaining cost of $3.5 billion being privately funded through allocated private activity bonds from the USDOT.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by esteemed officials and public figures, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Brightline Founder Wes Edens, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, and several senators and representatives from California and Nevada. Over 600 people, including union representatives, project supporters, and state and local officials, were present to celebrate this historic moment.
Construction of Brightline West will take place within the median of the I-15 highway, with zero grade crossings. The rail system will include stops in Las Vegas, Victor Valley, Hesperia, and Rancho Cucamonga. The project will use an impressive amount of materials, such as 700,000 concrete rail ties, 2.2 million tons of ballast, and 63,000 tons of 100% American steel rail. Over 160 structures, including viaducts and bridges, will be built, covering more than 3.4 million square feet with retaining walls. The entire project will be fully Buy America Compliant.
Brightline West aims to revolutionize travel between Southern California and Las Vegas. The rail system will reduce travel time to just two hours, nearly half of the time it takes to drive. The Las Vegas Station will be conveniently located near the iconic Las Vegas Strip, providing easy access to the Harry Reid International Airport, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium. The other stations, including Victor Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, and Hesperia, will offer seamless connectivity to various locations in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties.
The economic and environmental benefits of Brightline West are significant. The $12 billion investment in infrastructure will generate over $10 billion in economic impact for Nevada and California and create more than 35,000 jobs, including 10,000 direct union construction roles and 1,000 permanent operations and maintenance positions. The rail system will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by over 400,000 tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to reducing vehicle miles traveled by more than 700 million each year and eliminating the need for 16,000 short-haul flights. Additionally, Brightline West will construct three wildlife overpasses to ensure the safe passage of native species, particularly the bighorn sheep.
The success of Brightline West builds upon Brightline’s existing rail system in Florida, which connects Miami to Orlando. With plans to expand further to Tampa, the Space Coast, and the Treasure Coast, Brightline is spearheading the development of high-speed rail in the United States.
The groundbreaking of Brightline West is a historic step towards transforming transportation in America. This ambitious project brings us closer to fulfilling the dream of high-speed rail and sets an example for future city pairs in the country. As we witness the start of construction, we eagerly anticipate the day when Brightline West connects Las Vegas and Southern California, providing a faster, greener, and more efficient mode of transportation for millions of travelers.
Source: Brightline West
ABOUT BRIGHTLINE WEST
Brightline is the only private provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity passenger rail service in America – offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road by connecting city pairs and congested corridors that are too short to fly and too long to drive. Brightline West will connect Las Vegas and Southern California with the first true high-speed passenger rail system in the nation. The 218-mile, all-electric rail service will include a flagship station in Las Vegas, with additional stations in Victor Valley and Rancho Cucamonga. At speeds up to 200 miles per hour, trains will take passengers from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga in about two hours, twice as fast as the normal drive time.
Brightline is currently operating its first passenger rail system connecting Central and South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, with future stations coming to Stuart and Cocoa. For more information, visit www.brightlinewest.com and follow on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook.
QUOTE SHEET
“Through this visionary partnership, we are going to create thousands of jobs, bring critical transportation infrastructure to the West, and create an innovative, fast, and sustainable transportation solution. Nevada looks forward to partnering with Brightline on this historic project.” – Governor Joe Lombardo, Nevada
“Today, not only are we breaking ground on a historic high-speed rail project here in Nevada, we are breaking ground on thousands of good paying American jobs, union jobs.” – Steve Benjamin, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement
“For decades, Nevadans heard about the promise of high-speed rail in our state, and I’m proud to have led the charge to secure the funding to make it a reality. Today’s groundbreaking is the beginning of a new era for southern Nevada — creating thousands of good-paying union jobs, bringing in billions of dollars of economic development, enhancing tourism to the state, reducing traffic, and creating a more efficient and cleaner way to travel. This is a monumental step, and I’m glad to have worked across the aisle to make this project come true.” – Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
“Having high-speed rail in Las Vegas will electrify our economy in Southern Nevada, and I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone today. This project is on track to create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs while cutting down traffic on I-15, and I’ll keep working with the Biden Administration to get this done as quickly as possible and continue delivering easier and cleaner transportation options for everyone in Nevada.” – Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
“Today’s groundbreaking is a historic step in modernizing rail service in the United States. Californians driving between the Los Angeles region and Las Vegas often face heavy traffic, causing emissions that pollute the air in surrounding communities. The Brightline West Project will provide travelers with more options—helping Californians and visitors alike get to their final destination without facing gridlock on the road.” – Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
“High-speed rail in the Southwest has been a dream as far back as the nineties when Governor Bob Miller appointed me to the California-Nevada Super Speed Train Commission. As a senior Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I am honored to have helped write the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and secure $3 billion to turn that dream into a reality which will generate millions of dollars in tax revenue, reduce carbon emissions by easing traffic on Interstate 15, and create thousands of good-paying union jobs. I am proud to stand with advocates and transportation leaders as we break ground on the Brightline West project and look forward to welcoming high-speed passenger rail to Southern Nevada.” – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1)
“For decades, high-speed rail was just a dream in southern Nevada – but now, I’m beyond proud that we finally made it a reality. I worked across the aisle to help negotiate, craft, and ultimately pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because I knew it would kickstart transformative projects like Brightline West that will stand the test of time. Together, we’re cutting down on traffic, boosting our tourism economy, and creating thousands of good-paying union jobs.” – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-3)
“I am proud to join Brightline West for the groundbreaking of this monumental project for Southern Nevada and the southwestern United States. By connecting Las Vegas to Southern California via high-speed rail, we will boost tourism, reduce congestion on the I-15 corridor, and create jobs. The impact on our local economy and the people of the Silver State will be tremendous. In my conversations with Secretary Buttigieg, Brightline West, and our Nevada labor leaders, I know that local workers and our Nevada small businesses will benefit from this transformational investment. This will be the nation’s first true high-speed rail system, blazing a new path forward for our nation’s rail infrastructure, and we hope it will serve as a blueprint for fostering greater regional connections for many other cities across the country. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-4)
“Brightline West’s groundbreaking today marks the construction of a dynamic high-speed rail system that will link Las Vegas, Hesperia, and Apple Valley to Rancho Cucamonga’s Metrolink Station, creating new jobs and fostering economic growth in California’s 23rd Congressional District. This convenient alternative to driving will reduce the number of cars on the road, decreasing emissions and reducing congestion in our High Desert communities. This is an exciting step and I look forward to the completion of this project.” – Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23)
“Today’s groundbreaking on the Brightline West high-speed rail project marks an incredible milestone in the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to fulfilling the promise of high-speed rail and emissions-free transportation across the country. As a longtime supporter of this project, I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already invested over $3 billion to support the completion of this project. By increasing transportation options, spurring job creation and new economic opportunities, and improving our environment through cutting over 400,000 tons of carbon pollution each year, this project will be transformative to my district and all of Southern California for generations—particularly in and around the last stop in Rancho Cucamonga. With the goal of being operational in time for Los Angeles to host the Summer Olympic Games in 2028, I look forward to Brightline West facilitating travel for the millions visiting our region and elevating our 21st-century connectivity on the global stage.” – Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28)
“As the Member of Congress that represents the City of Rancho Cucamonga and a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, it is my honor to participate in breaking ground on one of the most highly anticipated high-speed rail projects in the country. We gathered today thanks to the Biden Administration’s leadership, which enacted the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to fund vital projects like this and transform our economy. The Brightline project is a stellar illustration of the power of successful public-private partnerships. Thanks to all the labor unions, Tribes, and wildlife advocates for their hard work, which brought this project to life. The bright line is fully electric and has zero emissions, which is excellent for our environment. I am eagerly anticipating the completion of this project in my district and look forward to seeing everyone there.” – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35)
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Great news for the residents of south-central Phoenix! As of November, 2024, Valley Metro has officially begun testing trains on the highly anticipated South Central Extension of the light rail. This new 5.5-mile route is set to enhance access to public transportation, connecting downtown Phoenix all the way to Baseline Road—bringing convenience and mobility to more neighborhoods than ever before!
Connecting Communities
The South Central Extension is more than just a transportation project; it’s a lifeline for connecting communities within Phoenix. By bridging the gap between downtown and southern areas of the city, Valley Metro aims to provide a seamless travel experience for commuters, students, and visitors alike. With access points along Washington and Jefferson streets, as well as 1st, 3rd, and Central avenues, this expansion is set to make daily commuting smoother and more efficient.
Safety First!
As trains start to roll out during this initial testing phase, safety remains a top priority. Valley Metro has issued important safety tips for both pedestrians and motorists to ensure everyone stays safe throughout the process:
- Follow Traffic Signals: Always obey traffic signals and make use of designated crosswalks when crossing streets near the light rail.
- Stay Alert: Listen for warning signals and train sounds. Light rail trains can approach quickly and quietly, so being attentive is crucial.
- Keep Off the Tracks: Remember, light rail trains are designed to be silent, making it easy to overlook them. Avoid standing on or near the tracks—stay safe and keep a respectful distance.
- Platform Access: Please refrain from entering the new station platforms during this testing phase as they are currently closed. Your safety and the safety of our testing crews is paramount.
Get Ready for 2025!
As testing ramps up towards the projected opening in mid-2025, excitement is building across the city. Whether you commute for work, school, or leisure, the South Central Extension promises to provide more accessible and efficient public transportation options. It’s a step forward in creating a more connected and vibrant Phoenix!
Stay tuned for updates from Valley Metro regarding the progress of the South Central Extension, and let’s celebrate the strides we’re taking towards a more connected, sustainable future. Phoenix, your public transport experience is about to get a whole lot better! 🚆✨
Related articles:
https://www.valleymetro.org/project/south-central-extension-downtown-hub
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Valley Metro Seeks Artist for Commemorative Poster for South Central Extension/Downtown Hub Opening
PHOENIX — In an exciting initiative to celebrate the upcoming opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail project, Valley Metro is calling on local artists to showcase their creativity by designing a commemorative poster. This significant 5.5-mile extension will connect south Phoenix to the Valley’s ever-evolving light rail system, running from Central Avenue to Baseline Road, and is set to enhance public transportation accessibility for residents, expected to launch later this year.
The South Central Extension will add eight new stations and two park-and-ride facilities, making public transit a more viable option for thousands of commuters in metro Phoenix. Valley Metro hopes to highlight this development not only as a means of transportation but also as a bridge strengthening community ties. To achieve this vision, the public transportation authority is particularly interested in artwork that reflects the culture and heritage of south Central and downtown Phoenix.
Artists aged 18 and over can apply through the Articipant platform, a vibrant community dedicated to Arizona artists. It’s important to note that while artists can submit their applications on Articipant, they are not required to submit proposals at this stage. Interested artists have until 5 p.m. on January 24 to submit their applications, so time is of the essence!
The selected winning artwork is envisioned to encapsulate the spirit of the South Central Extension and its significance to the community it serves. Additionally, the project will feature public art installations throughout the new transit hub, further enriching the urban landscape of downtown Phoenix.
This is more than just a poster; it’s a chance for artists to contribute to a momentous occasion in Phoenix’s public transportation narrative. By centering local talent and community heritage, Valley Metro is creating a meaningful connection between art and accessibility—cementing the role of the light rail as a vital resource for the neighborhoods it serves.
Artists looking to apply must be at least 18 years old and a registered Articipant with Artlink Inc. Signing up to be an Articipant is free. With the support of Artlink Inc., artists should submit their applications through the Artlink website. Artists must submit their qualifications, not proposals. Applicants must also demonstrate a connection to the South Central and/or Downtown Phoenix communities. This call for artists closes at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2025.
For more information about this call for artists and the Valley Metro Artsline program visit valleymetro.org/artsline.
For more Valley Metro information, visit:
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Urbanism
A Blueprint for Better Bike Lanes: Revolutionizing Urban Mobility
The focus on urban bicycle infrastructure has grown, emphasizing community engagement and comprehensive design through resources like the updated Bike Lanes Design Guide, promoting safe, accessible streets for diverse cycling options across U.S. cities.
In recent years, the discussion surrounding urban infrastructure has shifted gears, with a notable focus on developing better bicycle lanes. According to Bloomberg, protected bike lanes have transitioned from a niche interest to a core component of urban design across numerous U.S. cities. At the forefront of this cycling renaissance is an updated traffic engineering guidebook from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), inviting cities to think even bigger about bike infrastructure.
Listening to the Community: A Tailored Approach
One of the vital lessons drawn from the bike plan implemented in Oakland, California, highlights the importance of community involvement in creating effective bike infrastructure. Ryan Russo, head of the city’s transportation department, embarked on a journey in 2019 to develop a plan that not only connected the city’s bike enthusiasts but also engaged historically underserved neighborhoods. In areas like East Oakland, where many residents rely on cars or public transit, the vision of bike lanes was often marred by misconceptions: were they a sign of impending gentrification? Would they genuinely enhance residents’ ability to get around?
By actively listening to community concerns, Russo and his team recognized that merely installing bike lanes would not suffice. A holistic approach was essential—one that involved not only the addition of protected bike lanes on major roads but also improvements to road conditions, sidewalks, and overall accessibility to create a true network of safe streets. This meant incorporating elements such as speed bumps, roundabouts, and limited vehicle access zones, all aimed at fostering an environment where biking could thrive school-wide.
A Comprehensive Guide for Better Infrastructure
The newly released Urban Bikeway Design Guide stands as a testament to this comprehensive approach. Nearly double the length of its predecessor, the guide encapsulates a decade’s worth of innovation in bike infrastructure design. It introduces concepts like contra-flow bike lanes, protected intersections, and bus boarding islands—all designed to make cycling a viable transportation choice for people of all ages and abilities.
The guide serves as much more than a catalog of design options; it’s also a strategic framework that can help cities navigate the complexities of urban cycling infrastructure. By showing how bike lanes can enhance safety not just for cyclists but all street users, the guide positions bike infrastructure as a crucial element in mitigating traffic injuries and fatalities, aligning with broader public safety initiatives.
Building Public Trust and Support
Moreover, the guide provides essential political insights and outreach strategies to help advocates gain support for bike lanes from often skeptical communities. Rebranding initiatives, such as Oakland’s transition from “East Oakland Neighborhood Bike Routes” to “Calm East Oakland Streets,” signals a shift in priorities towards creating safe, slow-moving streets that cater to pedestrians and cyclists alike while also supporting local businesses.
Accommodating a New Era of Cycling
The guide also addresses the surge in diverse cycling options, including e-bikes, cargo bikes, and scooters. As cycling evolves, so too must our infrastructure. Wider lanes and street treatments tailored for these vehicles can help manage the interactions between different cyclist types and reduce friction among users, thus promoting a more inclusive cycling culture.
A Vision for the Future
Cities across the United States are already witnessing the fruits of these renewed efforts. From New York City adding over 600 miles of cycling infrastructure to breakthroughs in seemingly bike-unfriendly locales, the movement for safer, comprehensive biking networks is gathering momentum. As advocates like Janette Sadik-Khan emphasize, this is a unique opportunity for cities to redefine street design and take significant steps towards solving pressing issues like climate change and urban affordability.
Ultimately, the updated Urban Bikeway Design Guide does more than just provide a mechanical blueprint; it outlines a vision for the future of urban mobility—one that accommodates bikes and other forms of transit in a safe, integrated manner. By embracing these ideas, cities can create not just bike lanes, but beautiful, livable streets that foster community engagement, encourage sustainable transportation, and promote a healthier and happier populace.
In a world increasingly characterized by urban sprawl and traffic congestion, it’s time to embrace cycling as a fundamental piece of the transportation puzzle—one that connects communities and creates vibrant urban landscapes. Happy riding!
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose by highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
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