Construction on the high-speed train will begin in the first half of 2021 if green lit by the federal Surface Transportation Board.
The highly anticipated high-speed train from Dallas to Houston has just garnered two major approvals in the process of its actualization. As such, construction on the train could begin early next year dependent on one last approval.
Texas Central first announced their Texas High-Speed Train project earlier this year. Their plan was to build a train, filled with “first-class” features, that was capable of taking commuters from Dallas to Houston and vice versa in 90 minutes.
At the moment of its announcement, the company sought to complete its project and begin operations by 2026. Presently, their plan is right on track. Recently, Texas Central was awarded approval by the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration. Their rulings conclude the the agencies environmental analysis of the project as well as provide necessary safety standards.
Construction on the $20 billion project is to begin in the first half of 2021, with the company free to finish finalizing its designs. However, Texas Central starts to build the line, it must first get the approval of the Surface Transportation Board.
Among the features to be offered on the 200-mph train, are wide-bodied seats arranged in two-by-two formations — hence, no middle seat; large windows; wide aisles; food and beverage options; Wi-Fi; and innumerable power outlets.
Passenger stations for the train will include a number of shops, restaurants, and retail stores. They will feature plenty of on-site parking. Furthermore, these stations will be built according to the accessibility of major roadways.
There will be three stations on the route. One in Houston, Brazos Valley, and Dallas.
As of this moment, the train is slated to begin operations by 2026.