CAD/BIM Tips & Tricks
Brightline West: High-Speed Vision for the American Southwest
5 May 2025
You wouldn’t think that getting from Los Angeles to Las Vegas would be something of an ordeal, but unless you’ve attempted the 271-mile (436 km) drive yourself, you’d be surprised. Each year, an estimated 50 million people make the pilgrimage along Interstate 15 from the land of Hollywood and Cali beaches to the high desert party city of casinos, big-name shows, high-end shopping and showgirls. That’s almost a million vehicles per week.
Around 85% of pilgrims do it by car — roughly a four-hour journey, excluding the infamous LA traffic. Sure, you could do it by bus if you’d be content to spend five to seven hours on the road in less-than-ideal conditions. The current train can take up to 11 hours, depending on your departure location and the number of stops along the way. A flight takes about an hour and a quarter, but between traffic and security at either end of your flight, you can triple or quadruple the total travel time.
Motorists returning to Los Angeles on Sunday can create an 18-mile (30-km) backup.
Traffic Overshadows the Trip
Thursday, Friday and Sunday are the worst traffic days between LA and Vegas, with congestion often off the charts. For example, motorists returning to LA on Sunday can create an 18-mile (30 km) backup.
Imagine being stuck in 18 miles of gridlock on a Sunday afternoon/evening. No thanks. However great the weekend in Vegas was, the thing you’ll always remember will be enduring the epic traffic nightmare on the way home, with the car threatening to overheat as the needle on the gas tank slowly drops and drops and, well, you get the picture.
How Did It Get Here?
Here’s something else to consider: When in the city of Lost Wages, have you ever looked down at your shrimp cocktail and wondered where the shrimp came from? The closest ocean is about 300 miles away. Every day, numerous flights supply Sin City with the 60,000 pounds of shrimp (and other seafood) that the city consumes daily. But look at the bleak desert surrounding Vegas and ask yourself where everything else comes from.
Besides airfreight (which is expensive), “everything” arrives primarily via two modes of transport: courtesy of the freight cars chugging along the Union Pacific Railroad or by freight truck.
Apart from all the Vegas pilgrims on the road, Interstate 15 is also a major route for the millions of trucks delivering perishables and consumer goods from Los Angeles to their final resting place in the Mojave Desert metropolis. Anything that could reduce congestion on the I-15 would certainly benefit the supply chain (and make the truckers happy).
So, what’s the solution?
I Think I Can, I Think I Can...
If ever a situation demanded a train — or, more accurately, a high-speed rail — as a solution, this is it. The American Southwest is poised for massive change, and spearheading this transformation is the Brightline West project.
This ambitious venture, promising to connect Las Vegas, Nevada, to Rancho Cucamonga, California (about 40 miles from downtown LA), with a high-speed rail line, is more than just a transportation project. It’s a massive undertaking that redefines regional connectivity and presents a wealth of opportunities for architects, engineers and designers.
Traveling at up to 186 miles per hour, passengers will be able to complete the journey between Los Angeles and Las Vegas in 90 to 120 minutes.
For anyone in the AEC industry, Brightline West represents a fascinating case study in large-scale infrastructure development. It’s a project that demands a holistic approach, integrating cutting-edge engineering, sustainable design practices, and a deep understanding of the region’s unique environmental and social context.
The core promise of Brightline West is speed. Traveling at up to 186 miles per hour, passengers will be able to complete the journey between Los Angeles and Las Vegas in 90 to 120 minutes, drastically reducing travel time compared to the horrendously congested I-15. This speed alone presents significant engineering challenges, demanding robust track systems, advanced signaling technology and meticulously designed railway cars — all in a climate that fluctuates between both high desert temperatures and snow.
High-Speed Sustainability
Home to Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sequoia and Redwood National Parks, among others, it comes as no surprise that for Californians, sustainability is key, which explains why it’s a cornerstone of the project.
Brightline West aims to be one of the greenest transportation systems in the world, relying on fully electric trains powered by renewable energy sources. This commitment to sustainability extends to the design and construction of the stations and infrastructure, incorporating features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient building systems.
Inclusive Integration
The project also emphasizes seamless connectivity with local communities. The stations are envisioned as multimodal hubs, integrating with existing transportation networks, including local transit, ride-sharing services, and pedestrian and bicycle paths. This integration is crucial for maximizing the project’s impact and creating a highly accessible and efficient transportation ecosystem.
Architecture to Shape the Passenger Experience
For architects and designers, Brightline West presents a unique opportunity to create spaces that are not only functional but also visually compelling and culturally relevant. The stations will serve as gateways to both Las Vegas and Southern California, reflecting the unique character and style of each region.
This part of the project is relatively straightforward. But it gets a little tricky in the mountains.
Station Design:
- Regional Identity: The design of each station must mirror its specific location. In Las Vegas, expect bold, iconic architecture that reflects the party city’s vibrant energy. In Spanish-inspired Rancho Cucamonga, a more integrated approach might be favored, blending seamlessly with the existing style of the area.
- Passenger Flow and Experience: Efficient passenger flow is paramount. Stations must be designed to minimize congestion and create a smooth and intuitive travel experience. This includes clear wayfinding, ample seating, well-designed waiting areas and access for the disabled — all designed to encourage travelers to take the train.
- Retail and Amenities: Integrating retail spaces, restaurants and other amenities will enhance the passenger experience and transform the stations into vibrant community hubs.
- Sustainability Integration: Each station must showcase its commitment to sustainability through the incorporation of visible and effective green technologies.
Interior Design:
- Comfort and Aesthetics: The interior design of the trains and stations must prioritize comfort and create a sense of calm and relaxation. This includes ergonomic seating, ample natural light, and a soothing color palette.
- Technological Integration: Seamless integration of technology is essential. Passengers have come to expect wi-fi connectivity, charging ports, and real-time information displays.
- Material Selection: Sustainable and durable materials must be selected to minimize environmental impact and ensure longevity.
Engineering for the High Desert Plains
For the most part, the rail line will be located on the median divide in the center of the I-15. From time to time, as dictated by geographical features and existing structures, the line will switch to running alongside the I-15 before re-entering the median. This part of the project is relatively straightforward. But it gets a little tricky in the mountains.
The mountainous sections of I-15 see an elevation variance of over 2,100 feet. Worldwide, most high-speed rail lines generally try not to exceed a three percent grade and max out at four percent. The proposed Brightline West track has areas of grade that are over four percent and up to six percent in places. This is going to take some clever engineering, both in terms of the track and the capabilities of the rail cars themselves. We’ll be interested to see how this is resolved.
An estimated 50 million people make the annual pilgrimage along Interstate 15 from the land of Hollywood and Cali beaches to the high desert party city of casinos, big-name shows, high-end shopping and showgirls.
Additional Engineering Challenges for a Desert Landscape
The harsh desert environment presents an abundance of engineering challenges.
- Track Alignment and Construction: The high-speed rail line must be designed to withstand extreme temperatures, wind, and seismic activity. This requires robust track systems, advanced foundation design and meticulous construction techniques.
- Environmental Mitigation: Minimizing the project’s environmental impact is crucial. This includes measures to protect sensitive ecosystems, mitigate noise and vibration, and conserve water resources.
- Utility Relocation and Integration: The project requires the relocation and integration of existing utilities, including power lines, pipelines and communication cables. This demands careful planning and coordination.
Brightline West aims to be one of the greenest transportation systems in the world, relying on fully electric trains powered by renewable energy sources.
- Geotechnical Considerations: The desert landscape presents unique geotechnical challenges, including groundwater issues, seismic hazards and expansive soils, which alter their volume in response to fluctuating moisture levels. Detailed geotechnical investigations and analysis are essential for ensuring the stability and safety of the infrastructure.
- Water Management: Water is a precious resource in the desert. Efficient water management strategies are essential for both construction and operation.
Opportunities for the AEC Industry
Brightline West offers a wealth of opportunities for members of the AEC industry.
- Design and Engineering: The project requires a wide range of design and engineering expertise, including architects, structural engineers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers and electrical engineers.
- Construction and Project Management: The scale and complexity of the project demand experienced construction and project management professionals.
- Material Supply and Manufacturing: The project will create demand for a wide range of materials, including steel, concrete and advanced composites.
- Technology and Innovation: Brightline West is a catalyst for innovation in transportation technology, including high-speed rail systems, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure.
If ever a situation demanded a train — or, more accurately, a high-speed rail — as a solution, this is it.
- Sustainable Design and Consulting: The project’s commitment to sustainability creates opportunities for sustainable design consultants and specialists.
The Broader Impact:
Economic Growth and Regional Development
A regional project can have a broader impact on the economy. Such is the case with this project.
- Brightline West is committed to being fully Buy America compliant, meaning the project will use American-made materials and construction.
- The AP 220 train sets, designed for speeds up to 220 mph, will be the first true high-speed train sets built in America.
- Siemens will manufacture the train sets at a new factory in Horseheads, New York.
- The rail system will be constructed and operated by union labor, using 100% American steel rail, 700,000 concrete rail ties and 2.2 million tons of ballast.
- The project will create 35,000 jobs, including 10,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs for operations and maintenance.
The rail system will use 100% American steel rail, 700,000 concrete rail ties and 2.2 million tons of ballast.
Scheduled for completion in late 2028 or early 2029, the Brightline West project is also expected to have a significant economic impact on the local region, creating jobs, stimulating tourism and increasing economic development. The project will also improve regional connectivity, making it easier and faster for more people to travel between Las Vegas and Southern California.
End of the Line
Brightline West is more than just a transportation project. It’s a project that will positively impact the future of the American Southwest. For architects, engineers and designers in the AEC industry, it’s a chance to contribute to a transformative venture that will create a more sustainable and prosperous future for the entire region.
This project demands vision, innovation and collaboration, and serves as a reminder of the vital role that the built environment plays in shaping our world. As the project progresses, we’re excited to see how Brightline West fulfills its promise of speed, sustainability and seamless connectivity.
And, at almost 200mph, you can forget about being a high plains drifter. You’ll be a high plains speedster. We’d wish you bon voyage, but more appropriate to the Southwest is the Spanish version, Buen viaje!
