12 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

3/30/16:  New Milestones and New Projects Underway for the High-Speed Rail Program

[CNJRoss]

CAHSR news release, 4/27:

 

California High-Speed Rail Authority Acquires 

Radio Spectrum for Train Communications

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) hit a major milestone in safety and security this month, receiving final approval to acquire exclusive rights to the radio spectrum needed to operate future communications systems for its trains.

 

The agreement with Access 700, LLC, a subsidiary of Access Spectrum, LLC, for 44 frequencies covering the lower section of the state, is critical for the development of secure and reliable train communication systems. These systems include features like Positive Train Control (PTC), a state-of-the art collision avoidance technology that allows trains, tracks and dispatch centers to actively communicate with each other. Radio spectrum is also needed to monitor train conditions and diagnostics and to operate security systems along the high-speed rail system.

 

Radio spectrum is divided into bands of frequencies that have different properties and characteristics. The Authority purchased Access Spectrum’s Upper 700 MHz A Block spectrum because the signal is clear, not susceptible to interference and not shared with other users. As only authorized parties will have access to these frequencies, they are ideal for secure communication between trains, Authority facilities and public safety agencies.

 

“By obtaining exclusive rights to this spectrum, we will be able to ensure a secure communications network for future high-speed rail operations across California,” said Authority Chief Program Manager Frank Vacca.

 

“We recognize how difficult it can be to secure unencumbered, exclusive, licensed spectrum covering geography as diverse as the State of California,” said Michael Gottdenker, Chairman & CEO of Access Spectrum. “We are confident that the Authority will put this vital asset to good use.”

 

The Authority’s Board of Directors in February approved the agreement to purchase the 44 frequencies at

$0.70/MHz-pop (2015). The agreement received final approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this month. The Authority has also entered into an agreement to purchase radio spectrum rights (43 frequencies) in the upper geographic area of the state from BPC Spectrum, LLC.

 

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[CNJRoss]

CAHSR June Construction Update, 6/29/16

[KevinKorell]

Opinion in Orange County Register, Santa Ana, CA, 7/3/15:

High-speed rail still off the tracks

At a time when the state is struggling to balance its budget, failing to adequately fund basic road and water infrastructure and bracing itself for a potential economic downturn in the near future, extravagant projects like the bullet train simply do not make sense.

More

[KevinKorell]

Los Angeles, CA Times, 8/8/16:

State rail authority will seek a $35-million increase for key project in bullet train plan

Relocation of Highway 99 in Fresno, a key part of the bullet train project, is over budget, behind schedule and will cost millions of dollars more to complete, officials said Monday.

This update

[CNJRoss]

CAHSR news release 8/26/16:

 

 

High-Speed Rail Invests in Safety Project
To Eliminate One of California’s Most Dangerous Crossings

 

 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) is funding 50 percent of a $137 million project to grade separate Rosecrans and Marquardt Avenues in Santa Fe Springs. This intersection has been rated by the California Public Utilities Commission as the most hazardous grade crossing in the State of California – with over 52,000 vehicles and around 110 trains using this grade crossing every day. See why the high-speed rail program is investing in this key safety improvement project that will benefit drivers and pedestrians, and improve overall regional mobility.

 

Video:  LA Metro - Rosecrans-Marquardt Grade Separation

[CNJRoss]

Progressive Railroading, 10/19:
 

Foxx tours California high-speed rail work sites

 

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on Monday toured construction of California's high-speed rail system in the state's Central Valley.

Accompanied by California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHRSA) Chief Executive Officer Jeff Morales, Foxx visited work sites of the Fresno River Viaduct near Madera, as well as the San Joaquin River Viaduct and the Tuolumne Street Bridge in Fresno.

 

Continue here.

[CNJRoss]

CAHSR November 2016 Construction Update (4-page .pdf w/photos)

[KevinKorell]

Los Angeles, CA Times, 12/5/16:

 

Proposed high-speed rail station would travel from Burbank to L.A. Union Station

 

Representatives with the California High-Speed Rail Authority met with Burbank and Glendale residents last week and told them how the 800-mile bullet train state project would likely affect them.

 

If you read that headline carefully, we have another case of a moving station. Who needs trains when the station can get you there?  More here.

[KevinKorell]

Los Angeles, CA Downtown News, 12/13/16:

 

Details Revealed for High-Speed Rail Path Into Downtown

 

When high-speed rail finally comes to Union Station, it will follow the course of the Los Angeles River in and out of Downtown. Local stakeholders last week got a glimpse of the intended path and discussed local details of the proposed $68 billion project.

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