One of the most exciting possibilities for Texas proposed in recent years is a bullet train that allows high-speed travel between Dallas and Houston. Even though interest in the project has been high, previous efforts have failed to reach a consensus agreeable to both cities. According to a recent story in D Magazine, those plans are now closer to becoming a reality, as Houston made significant steps toward its part the project. 

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner recently signed an agreement with Texas Central, the company planning the 240-mile line that will transport passengers between the two cities in about 90 minutes. According to the D Magazine story, Houston’s commitment to the plan reflects the city’s support for the project, although additional details must be voted upon by City Council members.

Courtesy of Texas Central

The city of Dallas already approved similar plans regarding construction of the bullet train earlier this year. According to Houston’s ABC13, Texas Central is the developer of the project.

Irving-based Fluor Enterprises, a subsidiary of Fluor Corporation and The Lane Construction Corporation, will be working with Texas Central to design and build the line. Texas Central, Fluor, and Lane will work on construction planning, scheduling, cost estimates, and other engineering concerns. 

Now that the proposed high-speed bullet train is approved in both Dallas and Houston, plans are moving forward for its construction. Additional details still must be worked out, particularly concerning rural cities through which the train line will pass. Houston residents have voiced more concerns about the train passing close to residential areas, while the Dallas end of the terminal is slated for a location near the city center.

Texas Central plans to begin construction on the line in late 2018. The project is expected to take four to five years to complete with an estimated cost of up to $15 billion.