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California Approves Team to Build Nation’s First True High-Speed Rail Track and Systems
06/18/2026
[ Article originally appeared in https://hsr.ca.gov ]
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) Board of Directors today approved the launch of the initial phase of the nation’s largest track and systems installation efforts. An American-led consortium of Kiewit, Stacy Witbeck, and Herzog will install the track, overhead contact system, train control and communications infrastructure needed to transform the 119 miles of guideway completed in the Central Valley into an electrified high-speed rail system capable of speeds up to 220 mph. This Board action follows completion of track installation at the 150-acre southern railhead facilityExternal Link in Kern County, which will serve as the staging and distribution hub for high-speed track and systems installation. The facility is now prepared to receive freight deliveries of rail and other long-lead materials directly procured by the Authority, enabling rapid deployment once work begins later this year.
The Track and Systems Construction Contract covers the 119 miles currently under construction in the Central Valley and extends north and south into the future Merced and Bakersfield extensions. Its phased structure allows track and systems work to begin as soon as civil construction is completed in each segment, accelerating a seamless transition from guideway construction to electrified high-speed railway installation. Today’s contract award follows a competitive procurement process launched in November 2025, after the Board authorized the Authority to bring one of the nation’s largest rail infrastructure contracts to market. To accelerate delivery and improve cost efficiency, the Authority has also directly procured long lead materials including rail, concrete ties, ballast, and other key components needed for track installation ahead of schedule. The contract also includes strong commitments to supporting California’s small and disadvantaged businesses. It carries a 25 percent small business participation goal, including a 3 percent microbusiness component, and a 3 percent disabled veteran business enterprise goal. High-Speed Rail Progress Work continues daily on the high-speed rail project, with 171 miles currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. More than 80 miles of guideway are complete, along with 60 fully completed major structures and 30 more structures underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties. The project continues to advance statewide, with 463 miles of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system fully environmentally cleared and construction-ready.
Throughout construction, the project has created nearly 19,200 good-paying jobs—most filled by Central Valley residents — and generated nearly $25 billion in economic impact and growth across the state. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day. Back To News |
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