News
January 27, 2025

California High-Speed Rail Eyes Spring Trainset Decision

Caroline Raffetto

FRESNO, Calif. — The California High-Speed Rail Authority remains undeterred by federal funding challenges, asserting its determination to “remain committed and aggressive in moving this historic project forward while actively pursuing additional funding.”

This statement followed a board of directors meeting on Jan. 23, 2025, at the authority’s Fresno headquarters. Officials also confirmed ongoing efforts to “engage with the California Legislature about opportunities to improve our ability to deliver this transformative work.”

California high speed project targets ...

A significant milestone for 2025 will be the procurement of trainsets. The authority anticipates issuing a notice of proposed award this spring, with contract execution and a Notice to Proceed expected by summer. Last year, the board approved a Request for Proposals for a supply-maintain contract covering trainsets, a driving simulator, and related services. Pre-qualified bidders include Alstom Transportation and Siemens Mobility [see “California High-Speed Rail board approves …,” News Wire, April 13, 2024].

CEO Ian Choudri discussed plans to link with Brightline West via the High Desert Corridor between Palmdale and Victor Valley. “We are working to take the benefit of (common) standards and types of construction we will be doing. Especially with the High Desert Corridor, we are discussing how we can help them and optimize the cost to taxpayers,” Choudri said.

Earlier this month, the authority launched its railhead project in Kern County [see “Ceremony marks start of track laying …,” News Wire, Jan. 7, 2025]. Choudri noted that a track contractor will be selected by the second quarter of 2026, coinciding with the completion of the transloading yard near Merced Avenue south of Wasco, Calif. Clearing operations on the site, including removing an almond grove, have already begun.

The board meeting also highlighted the findings of the 2024 Economic Impact Analysis. According to Derek Boughton of the authority, the project has generated 1,034,000 job-years, $86.3 billion in labor income, and $221.8 billion in economic output.

Currently, the project has close to 30 active construction sites. By the end of 2025, work on all 100 planned structures, designed to eliminate 55 at-grade rail crossings in the Central Valley, will be well underway or complete. These projects span from Madera to the future rail yard south of Wasco.

News
January 27, 2025

California High-Speed Rail Eyes Spring Trainset Decision

Caroline Raffetto
Construction Industry
California

FRESNO, Calif. — The California High-Speed Rail Authority remains undeterred by federal funding challenges, asserting its determination to “remain committed and aggressive in moving this historic project forward while actively pursuing additional funding.”

This statement followed a board of directors meeting on Jan. 23, 2025, at the authority’s Fresno headquarters. Officials also confirmed ongoing efforts to “engage with the California Legislature about opportunities to improve our ability to deliver this transformative work.”

California high speed project targets ...

A significant milestone for 2025 will be the procurement of trainsets. The authority anticipates issuing a notice of proposed award this spring, with contract execution and a Notice to Proceed expected by summer. Last year, the board approved a Request for Proposals for a supply-maintain contract covering trainsets, a driving simulator, and related services. Pre-qualified bidders include Alstom Transportation and Siemens Mobility [see “California High-Speed Rail board approves …,” News Wire, April 13, 2024].

CEO Ian Choudri discussed plans to link with Brightline West via the High Desert Corridor between Palmdale and Victor Valley. “We are working to take the benefit of (common) standards and types of construction we will be doing. Especially with the High Desert Corridor, we are discussing how we can help them and optimize the cost to taxpayers,” Choudri said.

Earlier this month, the authority launched its railhead project in Kern County [see “Ceremony marks start of track laying …,” News Wire, Jan. 7, 2025]. Choudri noted that a track contractor will be selected by the second quarter of 2026, coinciding with the completion of the transloading yard near Merced Avenue south of Wasco, Calif. Clearing operations on the site, including removing an almond grove, have already begun.

The board meeting also highlighted the findings of the 2024 Economic Impact Analysis. According to Derek Boughton of the authority, the project has generated 1,034,000 job-years, $86.3 billion in labor income, and $221.8 billion in economic output.

Currently, the project has close to 30 active construction sites. By the end of 2025, work on all 100 planned structures, designed to eliminate 55 at-grade rail crossings in the Central Valley, will be well underway or complete. These projects span from Madera to the future rail yard south of Wasco.