Last week saw the federal government’s approval for the construction of California’s $69billion high speed rail line to commence. A 65-mile section of track through the state's central agricultural heartland (from Merced to Fresno), has been given the green light after environmental and engineering reviews were completed. In a vote of 21-16 the high speed raid is eventually expected to link Los Angeles to San Francisco.

However this has also seen a new series of lawsuits filed from opponents to the plan, following those from June by Three Central Valley Groups who are expected to sue again. Their argument says that there will be significant negative impacts on the environment and community, from loud noises to reducing property values.

The next step sees private construction firms starting to bid against each other throughout November for the first $2 billion contract. The winner will have until spring to put together everything necessary to start construction.