APPLE VALLEY – (INT) – A milestone has been reached in the proposed high-speed passenger train service between Apple Valley and Las Vegas.

Caltrans has signed a lease agreement allowing XpressWest to use the center median of Interstate 15 for the privately-financed, hi-speed rail system. Approximately 135 miles of the system will be in San Bernardino County.

“The XpressWest trains will provide a convenient alternative to driving to and from Las Vegas while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin.

An environmental study estimates the project will reduce carbon emissions by 300,000 metric tons a year – the equivalent of removing nearly 65,000 vehicles off the road.

Additionally, XpressWest expects to create more than 10,000 jobs during the project’s construction with another 500 new jobs post-construction.

Story Date: July 10, 2020