Virgin Trains USA enters right-of-way agreement for Las Vegas-LA high-speed rail

(Source: Progressive Railroading 07/06/2020)

Virgin Trains USA last week entered into a lease agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to use existing right of way along Interstate 15 in California for the planned high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Southern California, a local news outlet recently reported.

Caltrans officials told the Daily Press that all public comments received before the agreement was signed supported the project.

The 170-mile electric rail line will be built within the median of I-15. About 135 miles of the line will be located in California, the Daily Press reported.

The project is expected to break ground by the end of the year. After its in full operation, the line will carry 10 million passengers annually, Virgin Trains estimates.