Texas Central, the high-speed rail system that’s headquartered in Dallas, recently was honored as one of the top infrastructure projects in the world.
The project has been named one of the best by infrastructure advocacy group CG/LA in its 2019 Strategic 100 Global Infrastructure Report.
Texas Central will run from Dallas to Houston, connecting the fourth and fifth largest metropolitan economies in the nation via a 90-minute ride. The project landed at No. 36 in the world, according to CG/LA’s list, and is the only Texas project listed. Nine U.S. projects are included, with Texas Central being one of three U.S. rail projects to make the report.
Nationally, the 200 mph rail line was also ranked as one of America’s most important projects last year.
Texas Central project dubbed ‘transformational’
The CG/LA report is intended to identify projects with the most potential opportunity in the upcoming year.
“The Texas train is a transformational project that is generating attention and excitement among infrastructure experts who recognize it as a catalyst for creating jobs, boosting the economy and providing a much-needed transportation choice,” Texas Central CEO Carlos Aguilar said in a statement. “We are ushering in a new industry, backed by an international team of partners, creating local jobs, and we are proud to be recognized among some of the most important infrastructure projects in the world.”
Several industry leaders have joined Texas Central.
International railway company Renfe is the train’s operating partner; multinational firm Salini Impregilo, which is operating in the U.S. market with The Lane Construction Corp., is leading the civil construction consortium that will build the train; and Bechtel is on the project management services team.
The Texas Central project is estimated to create more than 10,000 direct jobs for each year of construction and will support 1,500 full-time works once operational.
Because the project is financed by investors, rather than the government, it won’t use federal grants or state appropriations.
CG/LA recognized the Texas rail line last year in its Strategic 100 North American Infrastructure Report, calling it a crucial option “in advancing public and business interests.”
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