Las Vegas, Nevada – Southern California may be edging closer to joining the ranks of countries with operational high-speed rail, as Brightline West announced it is “getting close” to breaking ground on a long-planned train route linking Las Vegas, Nevada, to Rancho Cucamonga, California.
The proposed 218-mile rail line would mark a significant milestone in American transportation, with trains expected to reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. At that pace, the journey between Las Vegas and the edge of the Los Angeles metro area could take roughly two hours—less than half the time of a typical car trip along the I-15.
Brightline West representatives said this week that the company has now completed 99 percent of its field evaluations, including soil testing along the proposed route. These evaluations are critical in finalizing designs for the track, stations, and supporting infrastructure. While a ceremonial groundbreaking took place in 2024, actual construction has not yet begun…