UPDATE MARCH 4: Clark County commissioners approved the required permits needed to build a train station for a high-speed train between Las Vegas and California on Wednesday.
Virgin Trains USA is planning on building a 2-story station off Las Vegas Boulevard near Eldorado Lane.
Across the street from the dirt lot is the Bootlegger, a restaurant whipping up classic Italian food.
Owner and former Nevada Lieutenant Governor Lorraine Hunt says the train is running right on time.
"We knew progress was coming this direction; it took a little bit longer than we expected, but here we go now, and we're very thrilled," she said.
Hunt also said she is excited for more customers at her restaurant and hopefully more growth with homes and businesses on this stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard.
She's also hoping the commute improves.
"It's quite a chore being bumper to bumper on what could be like a four to six-hour trip from Southern California to Las Vegas," Hunt said.
"We are grateful for the support we have received to connect Clark County with Southern California by rail," said Ben Porritt, of Virgin Trains USA.
"This project will take cars off the road, create jobs, and strengthen the transportation network between both states," he said.
ORIGINAL STORY: It appears that Virgin Trains USA is going ahead with plans to build a train station despite recent reports that the project has been derailed.
The proposed station will be located near the South Premium Outlets, according to documents submitted to Clark County.
The station would occupy 273,000 square feet of land off Las Vegas Boulevard between Eldorado Lane and Robindale Road. The station would be 2 stories tall with a 7-story tall parking garage.
A self-ticketing area, departure lobby, retail space, baggage claim and office space would occupy the first floor. There would also be office and retail space on the second floor, along with passenger waiting areas, restrooms, and security.
The first floor of the parking terminal would have dedicated lanes for taxis and rideshare. There would also be an area for shuttle busses to drop off passengers. The parking garage will connect to the station via a 138-foot-long walkway.
Officials said in January that they are still waiting for approval from the Federal Railroad Administration to move forward.
Once everything is in place, it will take about 3 years for the train to be fully operational.
