Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

 972.992.8815

Dallas to Houston Bullet Train is Electric

The 200 mph Texas Bullet Train has completed its environmental impact assessment, and the way has now been cleared for the train to move ahead, linking the state’s two largest urban and economic centers. It will connect the 240-miles between North Texas and Houston in less than 90 minutes, using the most efficient and environmentally friendly mass transportation system in the world.

The bullet train is expected to be both and economic and environmental boon for the state, and it moves Texans closer to a more environmentally beneficial travel choice. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) says the train would alleviate the strain on the state’s existing infrastructure and its need to accommodate growing demand.

The all-electric train  will mostly follow transmission lines in a utility corridor between North Texas and Houston. The final alignment has a small footprint, and with significantly lower emissions per passenger mile, minimizes impacts on the environment and existing development and allows the system to optimize operational efficiency. To further minimize impact, the Texas Bullet Train will run mostly on elevated tracks and berms, with no at-grade crossings, allowing for free movement of wildlife, pedestrians and vehicles under the tracks and at crossings.

The Texas bullet train is being developed by Texas Central, a new investor-owned, high-speed train that will connect North Texas, the Brazos Valley and Houston, using proven, world-class technology. Texas Central and its affiliated entities will be responsible for the system’s design, finance, construction, operation and maintenance.

Passenger terminal sites have been identified in downtown Dallas in the Cedars area south of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center near highly travelled freeways. FRA environmental analysis has determined that overall, construction and operation impacts will not have permanent disproportionally affects on air quality, water quality, noise, vibration, hazardous materials, visual aesthetics, transportation, land use, socioeconomic status, safety, security and recreation.

Other environmental findings include:

  • There will b zero closures of public roads
  • The railroad will lead to net reductions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Zero noise impacts would occur from station activities
  • Removal of 14,630 vehicles per day on I-45 between Houston and Dallas
  • Save 81.5 million gallons of gas annually

 

For more information, visit TexasCentral.com.