Several serious concerns emerged this week about the impact of California’s planned bullet train on Hollywood Burbank Airport, Burbank’s water supply and a massive commercial development if construction proceeds on a proposed 13.7-mile route through the area. Despite the issues, the California High-Speed Rail Authority approved its route plan on Thursday. The rail authority asserts the project would reduce air pollution, cut energy consumption, reduce congestion, improve transportation and boost the economy. The segment would cost $4.3 billion to build, including the train station that would be about 200 feet from a future airport passenger terminal and about two miles of tunnels near Burbank. Several new grade separations along the route would eliminate rail crossings and some other streets would be closed.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 21, 2022 02:06 UTC