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Proposed California High Speed Rail train would run from Anaheim to San Francisco

High-speed rail line would cost $42.6 billion, create an estimated 165,000 construction jobs and 6,000 permanent jobs to operate and maintain the system.


California High Speed Rail train would run from Anaheim north to San Francisco.The California Rail Authority, a nine-member board chaired by Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle, is proposing building an 800-mile-long rail line that would transport passengers at 110 mph from Anaheim to San Francisco in about three hours.

The overall cost is estimated at $42.6 billion and would be funded through private and public money, including federal and state funds and bonds.

 

The first segment of the line would be constructed between Anaheim and Los Angeles, taking passengers from near Angel Stadium to L.A.'s Union Station in 20 minutes. The cost of that segment: $4.8 billion.

The line would run through Anaheim on dedicated tracks parallel to the existing Metrolink line – the so-called Los-San corridor – between State College Boulevard and Orangethorpe Avenue, just north of the 91 freeway.

After early reviews, the rail authority eliminated two options -- to build a raised track or to cut below grade then cover it with a second level of tracks.

So now, officials are looking at tunneling or building at the existing level and creating grade separations – to separate the rail line from car traffic.

That option would require taking over some homes and properties to expand the existing rail line to accommodate the high-speed train and Metrolink on separate tracks.

"We still have 85 to 90 percent of the engineering left to do, so it's too early to tell exactly which properties would be affected," said Dave Thompson, a project engineer.

Still, several Anaheim residents said they are worried that the project could mean the demolition of homes and some buildings with historical significance.

"I think there are other ways that they could look at building this than encroaching on people's property or taking homes," said Jose Hurtado, who said he fears the rail project will mean having to relocate from the home he and his parents have lived in on Pauline Street since the early 1980s.

Others said they think it's worth the price for the greater good.

"We need to think long-term," said Joe Sparo, an Irvine resident who came to learn more about the project. "This is something that we need for future generations."

The draft environmental impact report, which will contain more details and analysis, is expected to be completed by this summer.

Pringle said another public meeting will be held in Anaheim to seek public comments at that time.

Officials said the project could create 165,000 construction jobs and some 6,000 permanent jobs to operate and maintain the system.

The high-speed train could be operational by 2020.

For information on the project, email: cahighspeedrail.ca.gov or call 877-724-5422.

Source: The Orange County Register

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