CHSRA Blocked by Mountains

The Bakersfield Californian broke a striking story today about previously undisclosed problems getting over the Tehachapis. The serious problems in finding an acceptable route could result in a dramatic increase in cost. They could also force a slowing down of the train, which could result in the statewide project becoming infeasible because of not meeting the required 2 hour 40 trip time from SF to LA.

An internal report to the CHSRA disclosed that the grades of the route over the Tehachapis are so steep that they exceed the Authority’s standards, making the route very problematic. The story goes on to say that the Grapevine route along I-5 might solve these problems, and at a lower cost.