2 Big Sections Of California High-Speed Rail Line Face Delays
SACRAMENTO (AP) -- The state agency behind California's proposed $43 billion high-speed rail line has recommended delaying the environmental impact report on segments running through two densely populated areas until at least next year.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Roelof van Ark told the agency's board of directors at their Sacramento meeting Thursday that the delay is necessary due to the technical complexity of the San Francisco-to-San Jose and the Los Angeles-to-Anaheim sections of the 800-mile line.
Van Ark said one issue that must be examined is whether the trains would have to operate at reduced speeds in crowded urban areas.
The rail board in December approved a $4.3 billion proposal to begin construction of a 65-mile segment through the rural Central Valley.
The entire rail line is expected to be completed in 2020.
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