Walter Yu, P.E., LEED AP

Coming to California?

We’ve seen and heard about the bullet trains running across Europe and Japan – but running across California?

Well, this may soon be a reality as the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) prepares its application for $4.7 billion share of $8 billion in federal funding for high-speed rail under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The train system is expected to connect most major California cities including Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles and San Diego while traveling at up to 220mph(!)

The project was approved by California votes in November 2008 by passing Proposition 1A, which authorized $9.95 billion in bonds of the project.

The CHSRA is in charge of project planning, design and environmental mitigation and makes it case in a fact sheet by pointing out the following benefits:

• Service to millions on residents in most metropolitan areas in the state
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – train ridership would reduce the number of cars on the roadway
• New construction-related jobs to build the project and permanent jobs to operate and maintain it upon completion
• Offer residents an alternative to air travel when traveling between Northern and Southern California

In addition, other modes of public transport such as Caltrain, Amtrak and Greyhound either require longer travel times compared to driving or offer limited service to a handful of cities.

Although the CHSRA makes a strong case for California being a leader to receive funding, the Obama Administration will make its decision on funding allocation in December of this year.

From a civil engineer perspective, the project is a technological marvel requiring the following:

• Specially designed train and track systems
• Construction of grade separations (elevated track) and stations/support structures
• Scheduling and planning of each phase of the project between the cities along its route

From a green building perspective, the project has the potential to save greenhouse gas emissions by:

• Taking more cars off the road and reducing highway construction
• Allow for better urban planning around train stations and reducing urban sprawl
• Create a larger public transportation network by linking up with existing train and bus lines

If high-speed rail does become a reality in California, it will be interesting to see its progress between the planning, design and construction phases – and whether the promised benefits come true.