The routes being studied for a high-speed rail line that could move people from Dallas to Houston in 90 minutes were released late Friday. Maps detailing those possible alignments will be the focus of a public meeting Tuesday.
A company called Texas Central High-Speed Rail is securing billions in private funding to build the line, which will be about 240 miles long. The company wants to end the line in or near downtown Dallas, though a specific terminus hasn’t been selected. Developers want it to easily tie into Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s light-rail network. Its decision could affect where DART puts a second downtown line, though that local agency doesn’t yet have funding for that long-awaited project.
An estimated 50,000 people drive between Houston and North Texas more than once a week. Traveling the route on Interstate 45 takes about four hours. The drive is expected to take seven hours by 2035.
The meeting showcasing the high-speed rail project will be Tuesday at the Dallas Infomart, 1950 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 7000. An open house will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. A presentation will run from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Public comments will be taken from 7 to 8 p.m.