Palmdale to Burbank
The Palmdale to Burbank project section is part of the first phase of the California high-speed rail system connecting the Antelope Valley to the San Fernando Valley which will bring high-speed rail service to the urban Los Angeles area with a new modern rail line that closes the current passenger rail gap between Central and Southern California.
This project section will connect two key population centers in Los Angeles County with multi-modal transportation hubs at the Palmdale Transportation Center and at the Hollywood Burbank Airport. These station locations provide an additional link between the Central Valley, the Antelope Valley and the State.
Section Highlights
- Provides a new link between Central and Southern California and the statewide transportation network
- Connects the Palmdale station to the Hollywood Burbank Airport with a 15 to 20 minute high-speed rail trip
- Provides new opportunities for economic development and connections to many destinations and transportation options
- Existing and planned Metrolink stations would connect high-speed rail to the region
- Uses next-generation signaling technology (Positive Train Control, intrusion barriers and warning system, earthquake early warning, and more) to enhance performance and safety while reducing pollution
Section Details
On November 15, 2018 the California High-Speed Rail Authority's (Authority) Board of Directors marked a major milestone in advancing environmental clearances in Southern California by concurring with the Staff Recommended State Preferred Alternatives for three proposed high-speed rail routes through the region. This action underscores the Authority's commitment to building the full Phase 1 system connecting the Bay Area to Los Angeles, further demonstrating the Authority's objective to position itself to advance additional segments as funding becomes available.
The Board's action was for three project sections: Palmdale to Burbank, Burbank to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to Anaheim. In October, the Board had concurred with the Staff Recommended State Preferred Alternative for the Bakersfield to Palmdale project section. While Board concurrence does not represent final approval of alignments and/or station locations it does mark the culmination of extensive planning, scientific analysis, and community consultation process.
The Authority anticipates releasing four corresponding Draft Environmental Impact Reports (EIR)/Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for public and agency review and comment in late 2019/early 2020. These documents will detail the environmental findings for all alignment alternatives including the State Preferred Alternatives.
The Authority is committed to planning and building a premier high-speed rail system that will keep the traveling public and surrounding communities moving and safe. We are working to develop and deliver the program through effective engagements with local communities, a process that involves nourishing long-term relationships with residents, stakeholders and policymakers. The goal is to foster and encourage community engagement throughout the organization in all aspect of construction and operations.
In conducting outreach events, such as Open House and Community Working Group meetings, the Authority informs the public about all aspects of the program, including the presentation of specific project section plans and key milestones contributing to the first phase of the high-speed rail system.
For a listing of upcoming events and outreach opportunities in your area visit the Events page.
The State of California and the federal government both require a proposed infrastructure project to undergo an extensive assessment of the project's potential impacts on the environment - land, air, water, minerals, plants, animals and noise - and proposed actions to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible.
Decisions regarding how and where to build the California high-speed rail system are made and justified by using detailed environmental studies and public comments on the potential environmental impacts of the proposed rail system and routes.
The materials listed under the Documents & Reports section below include studies and reports the Authority has produced to date, along with corresponding public comments received, during the environmental review process of the Palmdale to Burbank project section.
The following documents are available for review upon request. Please contact records@hsr.ca.gov.
- Palmdale to Burbank Project Section Supplemental Alternatives Analysis (SAA)
- Palmdale to Burbank Project Section Scoping Report
- Palmdale to Burbank Project Section Notice of Intent/Notice of Preparation
If you are interested in inviting the Authority to your community meeting to receive a project update, the team would be happy to coordinate with you.
(800) 630-1039
palmdale_burbank@hsr.ca.gov
Visit the Contact Us page to sign up for e-mail alerts and for additional contact information.
Interactive Maps
- Project Sections & Stations of the Project Sections & Stations interactive map
- Construction Activities of the Construction Activities interactive map
- Economic Impacts of the Economic Impacts interactive map
- California Traditional Tribal Territories of the California Traditional Tribal Territories interactive map
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