The first high-speed rail in the United States is being built in California.  It contains over 800 miles of track, 24 stations, and 10 segments from San Francisco to Los Angeles with service to Sacramento, San Diego, and Anaheim. This system is intended to provide connectivity throughout the state and promote the use of public transit.  The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) is leading the project in planning, design, construction, and operation.

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One of the major segments in this project is the Palmdale to Burbank segment.  While being a vital link to the entire California High-Speed Rail system, it faces several challenges including the rugged terrain of the San Gabriel Mountains and the urban environment in Palmdale and Burbank.  The rugged terrain of the San Gabriel Mountains could result in steep grades which dramatically reduce design speeds.  As such, tunneling through the mountains for approximately 30 miles is being discussed to help alleviate these impacts.  The urban environment in Palmdale and Burbank could result in a high number of displaced residents and businesses.  As such, this needs to be taken into account in the design through these areas and mitigation measures need to be taken.  

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The senior project team at Cal Poly Pomona is designing and evaluating three potential high-speed rail alternatives for the Palmdale to Burbank segment through the San Gabriel Mountains, with the addition of a fourth no-build alternative. Each alternative sets out to accomplish a different goal.  Alternative I seeks a No-Build scenario, Alternative II seeks to minimize environmental impacts, Alternative III seeks to maximize user benefits, and Alternative IV seeks to be the most economical.  As part of this study, the team will conduct a preliminary environmental analysis of the region as well as a benefit-cost analysis to determine which of the four alternatives is most viable.

This website was produced by our team to establish a medium in which we can display our work over all phases of this project.  Please browse this website and view our work throughout the project.  Team member information and résumés can be found on the "Team" page listed above.

Disclaimer:  The information contained within this website or any plans, drawings, specifications and other information furnished herewith is for academic purposes only and is not in any way affiliated with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, City of Palmdale, or City of Burbank.  This project reflects the findings of a Cal Poly Pomona senior project case study on the design and construction of a high-speed rail project.