…a bullet train between Madero and Fresno (that’s a big 120 miles through the California central valley, a project Leland Stanford could have finished in an afternoon after a few beers) whose price tag is tickling the bottom of eleven billion dollars.
The new calculation takes into account a number of intractable problems encountered by the state rail agency. It raises profoundly difficult questions about how the state will complete what is considered the nation’s largest infrastructure project with the existing funding sources.
This is, as I just can’t repeat often enough, a train between Madero and Fresno, which would seem a relatively simple project in a nation that’s been building big-ass railways since the early 19th century. You’d think so, but then big projects used to be possible and they aren’t any more. This was originally conceived as the first absurdly remote length of a high-speed rail line between San Francisco and LA, which would involve mountains and stuff and is clearly never going to happen. But tax and bond money will be spent, which means money will be made, which means a lot of people in and connected to the teat of Sacramento will consider the project a success even if not one wheel rolls on one rail ever.
Ah, California. How I don’t miss you.
As long as they don’t route it through Joel’s Gulch.
Ah, Fresno. I went there once (not willingly) and never would go back. Can’t imagine why anyone wants to go there, let alone at “high speed.” I’m SO not missing California.
“new calculation takes into account a number of intractable problems encountered by the state rail agency.” Probably too many people and groups along the route with their hands out looking for a little payola.
The purpose of the high-speed rail is to enrich the friends, family and sponsors of the politicians. Nothing more, nothing less. If an actual functional high-speed rail gets built it will be an accident.
Where is this Madero you are talking about. I’ve lived in the San Joaquin Valley most of my life and can only surmise you are talking about Modesto.
I spelled it wrong. It’s Madera.
Madera is only 23 miles from Fresno!! Are they taking a big detour or is it really Modesto?
Modesto is 97 miles from Fresno.