A NEW fast train that will travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco in less than three hours is coming to California.
Would-be travelers got their first look at several of the stations that will house the new form of transportation.
The California High Speed Rail Authority explained in its website that the bullet train will “connect the state’s megaregions, contribute to economic development and a cleaner environment, and preserve agricultural and protected lands.”
Project design experts say the sustainable development will take approximately half a million cars off the road annually.
It is also expected to bring financial prosperity to the state and create more jobs and opportunities.
With speeds capable of exceeding 200 miles per hour, the line will run from San Francisco to the Los Angeles basin in less than three hours.
Architectural firm Foster + Partners and engineering group Arup recently revealed the latest designs for the first four railway stations in one open house.
All are currently under construction in the Central Valley.
“The enthusiasm that high-speed rail is generating in the four Central Valley cities is tremendous,” said Arup project manager John Eddy in a press release.
He added that residents “expressed their pride in being the first to receive high-speed rail service” and appreciated the “economic uplift” it provided the area.
They said the “goal” is to complete the first operational line sometime between 2030 and 2033.
Total distance will quadruple to 800 miles with up to 24 stations in service.
The plan is that after the initial launch of the high-speed rail line, it will eventually expand to Sacramento and San Diego.
The first four rail locations are below.
MARKET
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The Merced station will benefit the city, which is home to the University of California Merced.
The addition of a high-speed rail line near the college will bring more connections to the Central Valley and future San Francisco Bay Area connections.
It will include a pedestrian bridge crossing that aligns with the city grid.
Additionally, an outdoor community space on 16th Street will transform the plaza.
FRESNO
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The Fresno station is expected to link downtown and Chinatown via an above-ground pedestrian walkway.
It will connect these two parts of the city and boost economic prosperity for Chinatown with a new set of visitors.
Additionally, a historic warehouse will be restored and revitalized to provide a nostalgic feel.
TULARE KINGS
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Near the town of Hanford, Kings Tulare Station is expected to be a popular option for those arriving by bus, car or bike.
Because its platforms will be elevated, many of the station’s features will be located directly beneath it, providing an open environment and an easy commuting experience.
A nearby public square is also expected to be a social area for the community.
BAKERSFIELD
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The Bakersfield station will be the southernmost point on the California High Speed Rail’s Central Valley lines.
There are future plans to connect to Los Angeles and Anaheim.
The station design is intended to be similar to a park that connects downtown Bakersfield to the Kern River Corridor.
Many shaded outdoor public spaces and recreational facilities are assumed to be active under the elevated rail system.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
