Caltrans and Brightline West have announced plans to enter into a Right of Way Use Agreement to advance the development of a privately owned and operated electrified high-speed passenger rail project along Interstate 15 between Apple Valley and Rancho Cucamonga in the Cajon Pass.
A similar Right of Way Use Agreement has already been executed for the 170 miles of track between Apple Valley and Las Vegas. Now, Caltrans is opening public comments for feedback in order for construction to continue through the Cajon Pass. According to the Caltrans website, the agreement will include “property within the median of the existing I-15 corridor right-of-way for the Cajon Pass Project, to connect clean, electrified, high-speed rail service from the initial Apple Valley terminus in San Bernardino County, into Los Angeles County, with a station to be constructed adjacent to the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink station, thereby providing connectivity to the Metrolink system. The Cajon Pass Project will also include a new commuter rail station near the northern end of the Cajon Pass.”
You can view a mock image of the proposed station plans for the Rancho Cucamonga “Transit Plaza” building on Brightline’s website. Brightline is the only private provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity passenger rail service in America. According to the company, this project will bring significant environmental and economic benefits, including the projected elimination of 3 million cars annually.
Caltrans’ public comment period for the proposed Cajon Pass lease agreement, allows the public and stakeholders to give any feedback they may have regarding the proposed lease. Comments may be made in writing or electronically and will be accepted no later than Thursday, March 23rd, at 5 p.m. The Notice of Intent related to the lease can be viewed on their website.
Comments can be submitted via the following methods:
Written:
Emily Leinen
California Department of Transportation, District 8 Office
464 West 4th Street, 12th Floor
San Bernardino, California 92401
Electronic:
