KERN COUNTY – Governor Gavin Newsom joined state officials, local leaders and construction workers to celebrate completion of the Southern Railhead Facility, a pivotal logistics hub that will allow California to begin receiving and staging materials for installation of electrified high-speed rail track.
The 150-acre site near Wasco represents one of the most significant infrastructure milestones since heavy construction began in the Central Valley. With the facility now operational, the California High-Speed Rail Authority can move from civil works into the complex phase of installing rail, power systems and signaling along the corridor.
“With the completion of the Southern Railhead Facility, we’ve taken another critical step in the track-laying stage. California is building the nation’s first high-speed rail system, and we’re proving it can be done. We’re laying the foundation for cleaner, faster, and more connected transportation while investing in communities and creating good-paying jobs. California isn’t waiting for the future. We’re building it.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
The railhead will function as the central hub for delivery, storage and deployment of long-welded rail, concrete ties, electrical components and other materials required to operate the future system. Officials say the achievement demonstrates that the long-debated project has moved beyond planning into visible, on-the-ground progress.
Currently, 119 miles are under active construction, more than 80 miles of guideway have been completed, and 58 major structures — including bridges, viaducts and overpasses — are finished.
“This milestone underscores the progress California is making by moving from planning to implementation,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “With track installation now within reach, completing the railhead puts real momentum behind the work ahead. It’s tangible progress – building infrastructure that connects communities, supports a cleaner transportation future, and brings high-speed rail closer to service.”
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri said the facility keeps the program on schedule as procurement for electrified track and systems moves forward.
“This major milestone reflects the work happening on the ground and a delivery approach focused on partnerships with the Governor and Legislature,” Choudri said. “The railhead facility is a critical step in the track-installation process and keeps us on pace to deliver this system smarter, faster and more economically. With procurements underway on laying of electrified track and systems, including new and innovative pathways opening for private sector investment, we’re building the foundation for long-term success and continued momentum.”
State leaders emphasized that the project is already delivering substantial economic benefits, particularly in the Central Valley. Since inception, high-speed rail construction has generated approximately 121,910 job-years and nearly $25 billion in economic output.
During fiscal year 2024-25 alone, 98.6% of project spending supported California businesses and workers. The program supported 13,200 job-years, produced $1.3 billion in wages, and added $2.9 billion to the state economy in the last year.
The Central Valley has captured the largest share of that growth, with 58,500 job-years and roughly $11 billion in regional economic activity since 2006. Benefits have extended beyond construction crews to suppliers, manufacturers, truckers, engineers and local service providers.
The milestone comes one year after Newsom launched construction of the railhead facility in 2025. Over that period, the Authority secured suppliers for long-welded rail and began acquiring critical components needed for electrification. Officials are also courting private-sector partners to accelerate delivery and reduce long-term costs.
The Legislature’s renewal of the Cap-and-Invest program has provided the project with its most stable funding outlook in a decade, guaranteeing $1 billion annually through 2045. That commitment is expected to allow the Authority to shift from heavy civil work into full systems installation, testing and operations.
The railhead site includes temporary freight lines connected to the national network, storage tracks, warehouse space, maintenance areas and infrastructure to coordinate trains and personnel safely.
Across the corridor, 171 miles from Merced to Bakersfield are now under design or construction, and 463 miles of the planned 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system have received full environmental clearance.
Since work began, more than 16,400 workers have been employed on the project, with over 70% coming from Central Valley communities. On a typical day, up to 1,700 workers report to construction sites.
For the latest on high-speed rail construction, visit www.buildhsr.com.
Originally reported by Governor California Government.
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