LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Construction on the Brightline West high-speed rail project is moving forward with visible progress at the future train station site just south of the Las Vegas Strip.
The FOX5 drone captured footage of the massive construction site where work is underway. Over the next few weeks, drivers on Las Vegas Boulevard near Warm Springs Road will also have to navigate lane changes as construction picks up speed.
The project promises thousands of jobs for local workers and new customers for surrounding businesses.
Construction creates jobs amid economic slowdown
Vince Saavedra, executive secretary treasurer to the Southern Nevada Building Construction Trade Unions, said the project comes at a crucial time.
“Yeah, it means everything. Especially right now. You know, the economy is kind of slow, construction is slow,” Saavedra said.
Saavedra has worked on major Las Vegas construction projects for 25 years, including the Sphere, Durango Station and Resorts World. He said there’s a need for another big project, along with the ongoing build of the A’s stadium.
“These two projects are what’s going to carry us and kind of pull us out of this economic downtime,” Saavedra said. “There’s over 1,000 construction workers working out of state. They’re ready to come home. They’re ready to come back to their families.”
The project will create roughly 10,000 construction union jobs, according to Saavedra.
Station construction shows vertical progress
The construction site shows the parking garage and train station taking shape. Saavedra pointed to an elevator core being built first.
“That’s like the spine of the building,” he said.
A series of concrete columns marks the beginnings of the parking garage. The land at Las Vegas Boulevard and Warm Springs, covering more than half a city block, is being graded.
Local businesses hope for customer boost
Oscar Chavira opened Birria Bite Mexican Grill about six months ago, positioning the fourth Las Vegas location across the street from the future station.
“It’s why we’re here. We’re hoping this is going to come up,” Chavira said about the train station.
He opened the restaurant hoping the train will bring customers to his doorstep.
“We’re kind of running through difficult times right now, but we’re in there, we see this is going to come up with some customers, bring some customers during the construction period, even more whenever this is done. So, I think we’re going to be OK,” Chavira said.
Brightline has previously said construction will be complete and the line up and running 2028. Wednesday, the company declined to comment on the latest project timeline when contacted.
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