Brightline West awarded $25 million to build high-speed rail stations in the Victor Valley

Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press
·2 min read
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Hesperia and Apple Valley will one day be home to high speed rail stations that will connect Las Vegas and the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink station.

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, in partnership with Brightline West, has been awarded a $25 million federal grant to build the High Desert high-speed train stations.

“When completed, the Brightline project will be a game changer for our region, reducing commute times, increasing job opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents,” said Art Bishop, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority president.

The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program. The money will go toward the final design and construction of the two stations, both critical elements of the Brightline West rail project, transportation authority officials said.

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority in partnership with Brightline West has been awarded a $25 million federal grant to build high-speed train stations in Hesperia and Apple Valley.
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority in partnership with Brightline West has been awarded a $25 million federal grant to build high-speed train stations in Hesperia and Apple Valley.

Connecting Las Vegas to Southern California

The $12 billion project will create a high-speed rail system spanning 218 miles between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas, with stops in the Victor Valley.

“We’re moving towards a groundbreaking later this year, kickstarting one of the largest job creators in the country and setting the stage for a new era in transportation," Brightline West President Sarah Watterson said. "We are appreciative of our federal partners, the (San Bernardino County Transportation Authority) and all those who support our system.”

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Executive Director Dr. Raymond Wolfe said the funding award for the High Desert stations paves the way for a larger grant sought by Brightline West for the Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga project.

“This will provide a direct link between the High Desert, Rancho Cucamonga, downtown Los Angeles and our own East Valley, reducing the need to rely on personal vehicles for daily commutes, improving air quality and closing the live-work gap for millions of people,” Wolfe said.

Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line is the busiest commuter rail line in Southern California, with connections to Los Angeles to the west and Redlands to the east.

Artist rendering of the Victor Valley Brightline West high-speed rail train station in Apple Valley.
Artist rendering of the Victor Valley Brightline West high-speed rail train station in Apple Valley.

Brightline West projects more than 11 million trips annually, removing 3 million cars every year from the road.

The project could eliminate more than 400,000 tons of carbon emissions each year, and generate more than 35,000 jobs during construction, including 10,000 union jobs and more than 1,000 permanent jobs to operate and maintain the system.

Brightline West’s overall investment includes more than $800 million in roadway improvements along the I-15 freeway.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Brightline West awarded $25 million for rail stations in the High Desert