By ashleykaren
A US$1.6 billion contract has been awarded to the contractor, Kiewit to handle key electrical systems on the Texas Central Railroad in the US.
The line through Dallas and Houston is going to introduce Japanese bullet train technology to the US and reduce the journey time between the two cities from four hours to 90 minutes.
The contract with affiliate Mass Electric Construction and Kiewit contains the installation of key electrical systems comprising critical safety and systems elements such as signaling, Traction power, and communications equipment to allow the trains to operate safely and ensure the tracks and operators communicate satisfactorily.
The high-speed rail line which is being constructed by Webuild, the Italian-based company, is going to replicate the Japanese Tokaido Shinkansen high-speed rail system, as worked by the Central Japan Railway Company. Currently, the US$20 billion project is scheduled to be operational in 2026.
“Kiewit and Mass Electric are national leaders in installing complex and large-scale electric systems and have long track records of delivering high-quality rail systems safely and effectively,” stated Carlos Aguilar, the chief executive of the line’s developer, Texas Central.
He also added: “Combining their experience with the safety of an integrated system is essential to the operation of the Texas Central Railroad. Signing this contract is the next step in making the Texas Central Railroad the first high-speed rail system to be implemented in the United States.”
