HOUSTON – In a new step forward for the Texas High-Speed Rail line project which will connect Houston and Dallas, a spokesperson confirms demolition work has begun on Houston’s Northwest Mall to make way for the Houston station of the rail line.
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The mall, which opened in 1968 near the intersection of U.S. Highway 290 and Loop 610, has been closed since 2017.
Contractors for Cadiz Development Houston, LLC, a partnership under the common control of Texas High-Speed Rail Holdings, LLC have begun pre-construction work, starting with the demolition of the mall.
“Removal of the legacy mall and adjacent structures on the 45-acre parcel is another step forward,” said a spokesperson for Texas High-Speed Rail Holdings LLC. “This is important early enabling and foundation work that will allow the project to proceed as soon as we get the green light. Once approved, the project will create jobs and help drive important economic growth for Texas. Beyond the dedicated acreage that will house the high-speed rail station, development plans for a world class multi-use site are being evaluated.”
Demolition, including the removal of building materials, is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete.
The 240-mile high-speed rail project plans include dual tracks designed to transport passengers between Houston and Dallas in under 90 minutes. The project was greenlit during President Donald Trump’s first administration, and initial permitting and environmental studies have been completed.