BULLET TRAIN PLANS PROGRESSING

  

The developer of the high speed bullet train says they’ve reached the next phase of construction with an agreement with an Irving company.

Texas Central, developer of the project, announced today an agreement with Fluor Enterprises Inc. and The Lane Construction Corporation, for refining and updating the project’s construction planning and sequencing, scheduling and cost estimates, procurement and other design and engineering activities related to the civil infrastructure.

Company officials say the announcement marks a significant step in the development of the 240-mile rail line that will connect Dallas and Houston, with a midway stop in the Brazos Valley.

Under the agreement, after the development phase and financial close, Fluor and Lane would be the preferred design-builder of the project.

Texas Central officials say Fluor and Lane have no equity or ownership stake in the project and will not be involved in land acquisition.

Officials with Texas Central say work is advancing on the high-speed train every day, preparing the environmental assessments, engineering and other areas. The Federal Railroad Administration continues to work on an Environmental Impact Statement, which will help determine the project timeline and final route.