A bit more on the Texas HSR project. There will be no grade crossings involved anywhere according to current plans. Part of the proposed route parallels a freight line when entering Houston, but will not intersect it. The construction contract has been awarded, but construction cannot begin before March 2020 when the already submitted environmental impact study is approved. They are proposing trips every 30 minutes during peak and every hour during off-peak. There are three proposed stations, Dallas, Houston and an additional one in rural Grimes County, which is where Texas A&M is located. Some Grimes County residents are opposed to the line, as are some in Leon County. In the end, opposition will be crushed. There are many options for moving the line east or west by a few miles if there are any serious problems. $$$$ talks when it finally matters.
The Texas Legislature, TXDOT, FRA, and other regulatory agencies have all given their approval and will cooperate. Something called the RPA has already been issued by the FRA. Trains are expected to travel near 200 mph and make the trip in 90 minutes. Highway travel at best takes nearly four hours. Air travel is estimated at 70 minutes plus the airport hassles. I am sure that there will be some security checkpoints at the train stations. They stated that the cost would be comparable to airline fares.
Dallas and the surrounding areas already have a rather successful light rail/commuter rail system in place so folks locally are already open to rail travel. The thrill of going 200 mph on the ground will hold a certain allure.
