The ambitious Brightline West high-speed train project, aimed at revolutionizing passenger travel between Las Vegas and California, is steadily moving forward. Recent updates reveal that surveying and drilling activities are advancing towards the California border, marking significant progress in the preliminary phase of construction.
Motorists traveling along Interstate 15 should anticipate some nighttime shoulder closures near Hesperia, California, and through the Cajon Pass as these essential preparatory works are underway.
Starting in January, the project has seen crews from both Nevada and California conducting surveys and geotechnical borings along the median of I-15, laying the groundwork for what Brightline states will be “the first true high-speed passenger rail system in the nation.” The proposed rail line promises to cut the travel time from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga to approximately two hours, significantly less than the current driving time.
The current phase of drilling and soil sampling is crucial for engineers to assess the terrain’s suitability for laying tracks and for planning the utility infrastructure. To facilitate this, short-term freeway shoulder closures are scheduled, and motorists are advised to exercise caution, adhere to detour signs, and be mindful of speed limit adjustments in the work zones. Operations are primarily scheduled during daylight to minimize traffic disruptions.
Current Work Zones and Schedules:
Nevada:
- I-15 Median North of Jean, Nevada (Milepost 12.5-27.5): Survey work is set to continue through Thursday, April 11, from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- I-15 Median North of Primm, Nevada (Milepost 5-12.5): Geotechnical boring and survey activities are scheduled through Thursday, April 11, from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
California:
- I-15 Coyote Lake Road to Old Hwy 58 Connector: Southbound exterior shoulder night closures are planned from Wednesday, April 10, to Thursday, April 11, between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- I-15 from Palmdale Road to South of Ranchero Road: Daytime borings are on the agenda on I-15’s center median and shoulders in Hesperia, from Monday, April 8, through Friday, April 12, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional night closures in the same area are expected from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- I-15 Oak Hill Road to Baseline Avenue: Daytime borings are also planned in the center median and shoulders at Oak Hill Road, through the Cajon Pass, and at the Etiwanda Bike Trail in Fontana, from Monday, April 8, through Friday, April 12, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Night closures in these areas are scheduled from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
These operations are subject to weather conditions and dates may change. Motorists are encouraged to stay informed on updates and plan their travel accordingly to support the smooth progression of this landmark project, poised to offer a sustainable and efficient travel option linking Nevada and California.