Construction of California High-Speed Rail explained

The construction of the California High-Speed Rail system is an undertaking by the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The project is expected to span about and will be completed in two phases:

Overview of project segments

Due to the project being only partially funded, the Authority is completing the environmental clearance of Phase 1 and focusing construction activity on the "Initial Operating Segment (IOS)" in the Central Valley. The IOS is intended to be a self-contained and financially self-sustaining high-speed rail system, improving on and partially replacing the existing Amtrak San Joaquins service. As funding becomes available, the Authority plans to extend the system to San Francisco in the northwest, and subsequently southwards to Los Angeles and Anaheim.

The major steps in delivering operational segments of high-speed rail can be characterized as:

  1. Environmental clearance
  2. Design and civil construction
  3. Installation of track and systems
  4. Static and dynamic testing

The following table provides an overview of these steps in each section of the entire project:

Region Section Start

Section End
Environmental Clearance Status Funding Status Type Civil Construction Status Track and Systems Status Notes
Phase 1Northern CaliforniaSan Francisco

San Jose
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="2" n/a data-sort-value="2" The Authority contributes funding for Caltrain Electrification. Interim San Francisco terminus will be 4th and King station, with extension to the Salesforce Transit Center as part of the independent Downtown Rail Extension (now known as The Portal) project.
San Jose

Gilroy
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="1" Partially shared corridor with Caltrain data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1"
Gilroy

Merced
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="1" High-speed ROW data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1" Requires tunneling under the Pacheco Pass
Initial Operating Segment (IOS)Merced

Madera
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="2" High-speed ROW data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1" 30% design complete, next advancing on 100% design and land acquisition
Madera

South of Fresno (CP1)
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="3" High-speed ROW data-sort-value="2" data-sort-value="1"
South of Fresno

Tulare/Kern border (CP2-3)
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="3" High-speed ROW data-sort-value="2" data-sort-value="1"
Tulare/Kern border

Poplar Avenue (CP4)
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="3" High-speed ROW data-sort-value="2" data-sort-value="1" All structures and guideway complete except a 400 ft section due to outstanding utility relocation
Poplar Avenue

Bakersfield
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="2" High-speed ROW data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1" Currently advancing to 30% design, North Bakersfield to Bakersfield station currently unfunded
Southern CaliforniaBakersfield

Palmdale
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="1" High-speed ROW data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1"
Palmdale

Burbank
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="1" High-speed ROW data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1"
Burbank

Los Angeles Union Station
data-sort-value="3" data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1"
Los Angeles Union Station

Anaheim
data-sort-value="2" data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1"
Phase 2Northern CaliforniaSacramento

Merced
data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1"
Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles Union Station

San Diego
data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1" data-sort-value="1"

Current construction status

A December 2023 status summary presentation, which contains extensive status information as well as information about improved management procedures, was prepared for the December 6, 2023 Board Meeting.[1]

In the Central Valley major construction projects are underway. Three separate construction packages total 119 miles of guideway and 93 structures. As of August 2023, 53 miles of guideway are complete, 43 structures are complete, and 32 are underway.[2]

Per the December 6, 2023 Board Memo: Construction Update: [5]

"Currently, 98% (2,258) of parcels have now been delivered to the design-builder, and the remaining parcels now stands at just over 2% (37).

"CP 1: The Revised Baseline Schedule has been accepted, and all major commercial issues previously reported have now been resolved. The primary risks have been identified and mitigated; however, risks remain that include delays with third-party approvals and design approval.

"CP 2-3: The primary risk areas are ROW acquisitions for utility relocations, delays with third-party design reviews and approvals, and obtaining an agreement from DFJV on the Revised Baseline Schedule. The Authority is proactively managing these risks and working collaboratively with the respective parties to advance a resolution.

"CP 4: All structures are now complete, including the delivery of all right-of-way parcels. There is only 400 feet of guideway that remains in progress due to outstanding land conveyance issues with Canal 9-22. Mitigation efforts include the evaluation of various options to identify a path forward and working closely with the North Kern Water Storage District (NKWSD) to reach a mutual agreement to advance the completion of work in this area."

Per the 2023 Project Status Report (released Mar. 1, 2023):[6]

"Bookend" investments are also underway to the north and south:

Staged Project Delivery Process and the Project Delivery Decision Committee

On page 6 in the 2023 Project Update Report the Authority describes the Staged Project Delivery process which it is now using.

Associated with this process was an identified need to enhance and supplement the current overview process by establishing a Project Delivery Decision Committee. This is a director-level committee to provide oversight on scope, cost, and scheduling on each project; formally evaluate the most appropriate delivery methods for each project; and recommend the best course of action. It also reviews major project decisions.[10]

History of construction

Historical construction milestones

History of projected construction timelines

The 2008 Business Plan projected that construction for the entire project would be completed by 2030.[14]

The 2012 Business Plan projected HSR service between Los Angeles and San Francisco would not be available until 2029.[15]

The 2016 Business Plan projected:

The 2018 Business Plan projected HSR service between Los Angeles and San Francisco will not be available until 2033.[17]

The 2020 Business Plan projected HSR service between Silicon Valley and the Central Valley would be operational by late 2031, and that service between Los Angeles and San Francisco will be operational in 2033.[18]

The 2022 Business Plan does not have a projected timeline for completion of any of the segments other than the Interim IOS, recognizing that financial constraints make such an estimate unpredictable. Table 5.0 gives estimates of costs to finish the construction in year of expenditure dollars, but assumes that there would be no major delays.[19]

Initial construction approvals

On December 2, 2010, the Authority Board of Directors voted to begin construction on the first section of the system from Madera to Fresno, known as the Initial Construction Segment (ICS). Five "construction packages" are currently being planned for this section. With the Design-Build contractual system the Authority is using, the contractor will be responsible for the final construction design elements, following the guidelines and specifications of the contract. The intent of this (as explained by Dan Richard, chair of the Authority) is to minimize last minute design change orders arising during the construction process (which tend to add to expenses and slow construction).[20]

On December 20, 2010, due to the infusion of an additional $616 million in federal funds reallocated from states that canceled their high-speed rail plans, the initial segment of construction was extended to Bakersfield. Another $300 million was reallocated on May 9, 2011, extending the funded portion north to the future Chowchilla Wye (where trains can be turned).[21]

In September 2012, the Obama administration gave California's high-speed rail project the green light to streamline the permitting process for the 114miles section of the project which starts just north of Fresno in Madera County and runs south to Bakersfield.

On August 12, 2014, the federal Surface Transportation Board approved the HSR route from Fresno to Bakersfield. This was the final approval needed before beginning construction.[22]

Also, on December 15, 2014, the federal Surface Transportation Board determined (using well-understood preemption rules) that its approval of the HSR project in August "categorically preexempts" lawsuits filed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This cleared the last obstacle before construction could begin.[23] However, this supposition is still being tested in the California courts in a similar case, Friends of Eel River v. North Coast Railroad Authority.[24]

On June 10, 2015, the Authority authorized a "Rail Delivery Partner" contract to be negotiated and signed by the CEO, valued at up to $700 million, for services through 2022. This is a successor to the support provided by the current Project Management Team contract. The RDP will provide engineering and management services to see the project from a planning mode into a construction mode. The RDP partnership under the lead of Parsons Brinckerhoff includes Network Rail Consulting (the international consulting arm of the UK rail authority) and LeighFisher (a global management firm with extensive experience in infrastructure and advisory services). The other partnership competing was under Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation.[25]

Awarding initial construction packages (San Joaquin Valley segments)

CP1. On August 20, 2013, the joint venture of Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons executed a design-build contract for the initial Madera to Fresno segment, about long. The contract is valued at approximately $985 million, plus an additional $53 million in provisional sums.[26] Construction was originally expected to begin in 2013, but was delayed by the slow pace of property acquisition.[27]

CP2-3. Dragados of Spain, with Flatiron West of San Marcos, and Jacobs Engineering of Oakland, won the bid for the second design-build construction package on December 11, 2014. Dragados/Flatiron/Jacobs submitted a bid of $1,365,335,890 to design and build the 65miles stretch from the south end of Fresno to near the Tulare-Kings county line and was deemed the "apparent best value" bidder by the Authority.[28] The winning bid came well below the range of $1.5 billion to $2 billion that was forecast by engineers and consultants working for the rail authority due to their innovative plan for cutting-and-filling instead of more expensive construction alternatives.[20] This plan however was deemed impossible due to soil and hydrological conditions on site and the plan was reverted to its original designs.

CP4. Five construction teams competed for this 22miles segment.[29] This section was estimated to cost $400–500 million.[30] In January 2016 the apparent best value bid of $347.5 million (about $50 to $150 less than the estimated cost) was received from California Rail Builders (a consortium led by Ferrovial Agroman US Corp, an American subsidiary of Spain's Ferrovial S.A., also including Eurostudios, a Spanish engineering firm, and Othon Inc., a Houston-based engineering and environmental consulting company).[31] The California Rail Builders bid was $347.5 million. The contract awarded includes an additional $107 million for utility relocation costs for electric, gas and communication lines.[32] This project has had the least issues out of all of the current construction packages and is set to be completed by late 2023.

This package was shortened by about to a length of due to disputes with the cities of Bakersfield and Shafter. The construction segment now ends on the north side of Shafter due to the need to negotiate routes through Shafter and northern Bakersfield. The agreement between the cities and the Authority gave the parties until January 2016 to come up with the new alignment.[33] The Poplar Avenue to Bakersfield Locally Generated Alternative was signed by the Authority's CEO on October 31, 2019, and as of May 2022, geotechnical work has begun taking place.

Extending initial San Joaquin Valley construction

In August 2022, contracts for advanced design work, right-of-way mapping, and identification of utility relocation work in the Merced-Madera and the Shafter to Bakersfield (Locally Generated Alternative) segments were approved.[34] Construction will only begin once the design and land has been acquired. This reflects a change from the approach taken with the first four construction packages. Utility relocations will also begin as land is purchased to speed the construction process and avoid delays.

The Merced to Madera extension design contract ($41 million) was awarded to Stantec Consulting Services Inc., for approximately 33.9 mi. with 40 structures. The Shafter to Bakersfield (Locally Generated Alternative) extension design contract ($44.9 million) was awarded to HNTB for approximately 18.5 mi. with 31 structures. These design contracts are expected to last into 2024.[35]

Other San Joaquin Valley constructions

The design contract for the central valley stations was awarded on October 20, 2022.[36]

In addition, a large parcel will be needed for a rail yard, train sheds, machine shops, and other buildings for work on the tracks and trainsets in the Heavy Maintenance Facility (HMF). The counties of Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings, and Kern all have expressed some interest in being selected for the site, since it is expected to provide up to 1500 good paying jobs. Per the May 2023 CEO Report to the Board, eleven potential sites have been identified in these four counties, and an architectural and engineering contractor will be selected (approximately by October 2023) for a two-year contract to evaluate the properties, develop the necessary environmental documents, and obtain necessary approvals. In 2025 staff will provide the Board with their preferred alternative for their decision.

Statewide connectivity projects

According to the Authority: "Connectivity or ‘Bookend’ Projects refer to the billions of dollars in infrastructure investment throughout the state that are part of the California High-Speed Rail system. These funds will strengthen and improve existing rail networks, while also connecting them with California's future high-speed rail system. Senate Bill (SB) 1029[37] passed by the California Legislature and signed by Governor Brown in July 2012, invests almost $2 billion from the Safe, Reliable, High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century (Proposition 1A) into transit, commuter, and intercity rail projects across the state. This funding leverages approximately $5 billion in additional funding for these projects."[38]

Major "bookend" investments are underway to the north and south:

Other connectivity projects partly funded by the Authority are:[38]

Construction package details

CP 1 (Madera–Fresno)

Construction Package 1 (CP 1) is 32miles long, running from Avenue 19 north of Madera to East American Avenue south of Fresno.[40] The contract was awarded August 16, 2013, and a Notice to Proceed was given on October 15, 2013. Groundbreaking was on January 6, 2015, in Fresno.

As of April 2024, out of 33 structures, 18 were complete, 10 were under construction, and 5 had not yet begun construction; out of 32 miles of guideway, 2 were complete, 18 were under construction, and 12 had not yet begun construction.[41]

ProjectStatusMilepost[42] TypeDate of completionNotesRefs
1Road 26 GSdata-sort-value="2" Grade Separation (GS)Construct roadway overcrossing of existing BNSF track and the future High-Speed Rail alignment. Awaiting relocation of the adjacent Madera AMTRAK Station to its new location 8 miles south (to north of Avenue 12) by the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA). Construction began in March 2024 and will continue into late 2025.[43]
2Road 27 GSdata-sort-value="3" 167.69milesGS636feet length over BNSF and High-Speed Rail[44]
3Avenue 17 GSdata-sort-value="2" GSConstruct roadway overcrossing of existing BNSF track and the future High-Speed Rail alignment. Will continue Avenue 17 across the existing railway where no connection previously existed.
4Fresno River Viaductdata-sort-value="3" 169.99milesViaduct1600feet length[45]
5Avenue GSdata-sort-value="3" GS468feet length over BNSF and High-Speed Rail[46]
6Avenue 15 GSdata-sort-value="3" 171.32milesGS278feet length over BNSF and High-Speed Rail[47]
7Cottonwood Creek Viaductdata-sort-value="3" Viaduct250feet length[48]
8Avenue 12 GSdata-sort-value="3" 174.81milesGS167feet length over High-Speed Rail and local access road; a separate structure was built further east to carry Avenue 12 over the existing BNSF track.[49]
9Avenue 11 GSdata-sort-value="3" 175.82milesGS100feet length over High-Speed Rail.[50]
10Avenue 10 GSdata-sort-value="3" 176.85milesGS116feet length over High-Speed Rail.[51]
11Avenue 9 GSdata-sort-value="3" 177.94milesGSComplete and open to traffic.
12private agricultural underpassdata-sort-value="3" CulvertBox Culvert undercrossing for private farm road.
13Avenue 8 Overpassdata-sort-value="3" 179.08milesOverpass110feet length over High-Speed Rail.[52]
14Avenue 7 GSdata-sort-value="3" 180.27milesGS196feet length over High-Speed Rail.[53]
15San Joaquin River Viaduct & Pergoladata-sort-value="3" 181.59milesViaduct/Pergola4741feet total length. Arch Span over San Joaquin River is 200feet long; the Pergola section over the Union Pacific Railroad has a length of 1626feet.[54] [55]
16Herndon Avenue Underpassdata-sort-value="1" Underpass
17Veterans Boulevarddata-sort-value="3" Street / GSBridge crossing over Golden State Boulevard, High-Speed Rail and UPRR tracks. The bridge spanning the UPRR and CAHSR tracks opened on September 19th, 2022, while the SR-99 Interchange associated with this Grade Separation opened to traffic on November 20th, 2023.[56]
18Herndon Canal culvertdata-sort-value="3" CulvertCulvert built, Golden State Boulevard rerouted over culvert.
19Shaw Avenue GSdata-sort-value="1" GSBridge going over CHSRA, UPRR, and Golden State Boulevard. Right of way is partially cleared both for the Grade Separation and the realignment of Golden State Boulevard.
20Golden State Boulevard Realignmentdata-sort-value="2" RealignmentGolden State Boulevard between Olive Avenue and Belmont Avenue was permanently closed on March 4, 2024.[57] [58]
21State Route 99 Realignmentdata-sort-value="3" RealignmentOpen to traffic[59]
22McKinley Avenue GSdata-sort-value="1" 188.99milesGSUtility relocations have been taking place periodically since March 2022. Right of way is mostly cleared on either end.
23Motel Drive Realignmentdata-sort-value="1" RealignmentRight of way largely cleared. Utility relocations periodically taking place.
24Olive Avenue GSdata-sort-value="1" GSOverpass over CHSRA, UPRR, and North Weber Avenue. Utilities are in the process of being relocated, most if not all of the required land has been cleared on either end.
25Belmont Avenue GSdata-sort-value="2" GSWork has kicked off on the west side of the Union Pacific tracks and utility relocations continue on the east side. This grade separation will be a viaduct over Weber Avenue, the Union Pacific, the northern end of the High-Speed Rail's Fresno Trench, and a narrowed Golden State Boulevard (a/k/a Motel Drive).
26Fresno Trenchdata-sort-value="2" TrenchWall covering of the secant retaining walls complete; intrusion protection barrier walls next to Union Pacific tracks installed. A shoofly for the Westside Wye has been opened sometime during May 2022. Utility relocations have begun taking place again as of March 2022, with pilings being put in between North Thorne Avenue and the northern leg of the Westside Wye.[60]
27State Route 180 Passagewaydata-sort-value="3" 190.83milesTunnelCut-and-cover-tunnel under SR 180 freeway has been finished.
28Stanislaus Street Bridgedata-sort-value="1" RemovalExisting structure to be removed due to inadequate vertical clearance for High-Speed Rail.
29Tuolumne Street Bridgedata-sort-value="3" OverpassCompleted and open to traffic.[61]
30Fresno Street Underpassdata-sort-value="1" 191.85milesUnderpassTo be lengthened and renovated.
31Tulare Street Underpassdata-sort-value="2" 192.03milesUnderpassPost-tensioning of the G Street bridge has been completed, falsework has been removed, and the concrete to form the barrier and sidewalk has been placed. Crews are now putting the finishing touches, including paving and installing streetlights on the bridge for traffic. Work continues on the eastern approach to the underpass next to the Historic Fresno Depot.[62]
32Ventura Street Underpassdata-sort-value="2" UnderpassCrossing G St / Ventura St removed; temporary tracks for Union Pacific railway. Trench being dug and formwork appears to have been put up for the future G Street Bridge.[63]
33State Route 41 Freewaydata-sort-value="1" Modify Existing ViaductsMinor modifications to existing two structures (westbound and eastbound) which carry SR 41 over the High-Speed Rail alignment.
34Church Avenue GSdata-sort-value="2" GSRoadway overpass; right of way cleared. Road closures for Utility relocations began in July 2022. Construction started on April 27, 2023, with several road closures. The BuildHSR website currently estimates this structure's completion date at the end of September 2025.
35Cedar Viaductdata-sort-value="3" 195.66milesViaduct3700feet in length.[64]
36Muscat Avenue Viaductdata-sort-value="3" 195.98milesViaductNorth Central Canal culvert complete[65]
37Property access Viaductdata-sort-value="3" ViaductShort section of viaduct to allow a property access road to run underneath. Completed at the same time as the Muscat Viaduct just to the north.
38Central Avenue GSdata-sort-value="2" 196.48milesGSCanal culvert has been completed, several rows of piers have their formwork put up and one row has already had concrete poured.[66]
39East American Avenue GSdata-sort-value="3" 197.49milesGS353feet length over High-Speed Rail alignment and BNSF Railway. Allowance for additional track to access the HSR Heavy Maintenance Facility if it is chosen to be built just to the south.[67]

CP 2-3 (Fresno – Tulare/Kern)

Construction package 2-3 (CP 2-3) is 65miles long, running from East American Avenue south of Fresno to 1mile north of the Tulare / Kern County border. The contract was awarded June 10, 2015, and a Notice to Proceed was given on July 25, 2015. The contractor is the joint venture of Dragados USA/Flatiron Construction. Groundbreaking took place in August 2018.

As of April 2024, out of 49 structures, 16 were complete, 24 were under construction, 9 had not yet begun construction; out of 65 miles of guideway, 34 were complete, 15 were under construction, and 16 had not yet begun construction.

ProjectStatusMilepostTypeDate of completionNotesRefs
1Lincoln Avenue GSdata-sort-value="1" Grade Separation (GS)This Grade Separation has been cancelled and will not be constructed. Lincoln Avenue will be terminated on either side of the HSR alignment.
2Adams Avenue GSdata-sort-value="3" 199.49milesGSComplete and open to traffic.[68]
3South Avenue GSdata-sort-value="3" 200.49milesGSComplete and open to traffic.[69]
4BNSF Track Realignmentdata-sort-value="2" RealignmentShifting the existing BNSF tracks to the east side of the right of way between South Avenue and the Conejo Viaduct.
5Manning Avenue GSdata-sort-value="2" 201.49milesGSRoadway overpass; right of way cleared, roadway was removed on east side of tracks with embankment work underway as of late March 2024.
6Floral Avenue GSdata-sort-value="3" 203.52milesGSJuly 15, 2024Complete and open to traffic.[70]
7Nebraska Avenue GSdata-sort-value="1" 204.6milesGSRoadway overpass; right of way partially cleared
8Mountain View Avenue GSdata-sort-value="3" 205.58milesGSJuly 15, 2024Complete and open to traffic.[71]
9Conejo Viaduct & Pergoladata-sort-value="2" 207.7milesViaduct/PergolaAll girders have been placed.[72]
10Peach Avenue Viaductdata-sort-value="2" 208.29milesViaductEmbankments and abutments complete on both sides, bridge deck appears to be in place.
11Elkhorn Avenue Overcrossingdata-sort-value="3" OverpassComplete and open to traffic.
12Fowler Avenue Overcrossingdata-sort-value="3" OverpassComplete and open to traffic.[73]
13Davis Avenue Overcrossingdata-sort-value="3" 212.08milesOverpassComplete and open to traffic.[74]
14State Route 43 Tied Arch Bridgedata-sort-value="2" ViaductFalsework for the bridge deck spanning SR-43 went up in February and March of 2024.[75] [76]
15Cole Slough Viaductdata-sort-value="2" ViaductRight of way leading up on both sides cleared, river basin is partially cleared.
16Dutch John Cut Bridgedata-sort-value="2" ViaductRight of way leading up on both sides cleared, river basin is partially cleared.
179th Avenue Viaductdata-sort-value="2" 215.67milesViaductBridge is mostly complete. Embankments are being built up on either end.
18Cairo Avenue Viaductdata-sort-value="3" 216.09milesViaductComplete and open to traffic.[77]
19Kings River Viaductdata-sort-value="2" ViaductRight of way leading up on both sides cleared, river basin cleared, test pilings finished in mid-2020. Three rows of bridge supports are in the process of being built up, with the northern bridge abutment having already been completed as of October 7, 2022. A temporary construction access bridge has been put up over the waterway.
20Dover Avenue Overcrossingdata-sort-value="3" 217.82milesOvercrossingDover Avenue Overcrossing opened on May 3, 2023, along with the Idaho Avenue Overcrossing.[78]
21Excelsior Avenue Grade Separationdata-sort-value="2" 218.3milesGSBridge deck under construction.[79]
22Elder Avenue Grade Separationdata-sort-value="1" GSThis Grade Separation has been cancelled and will not be constructed. Elder Ave will be terminated on either side of the high speed rail alignment.
23Flint Avenue Grade Separationdata-sort-value="3" 220.86milesGSJune 26, 2024Complete and open to traffic.[80]
24Fargo Avenue Grade Separationdata-sort-value="2" 221.88milesGSBridge columns under construction.[81]
25Grangeville Boulevard Viaductdata-sort-value="1" ViaductViaduct to carry 2 tracks of High-Speed Rail over Grangeville Boulevard just north of the Hanford Viaduct. Waiting on two powerline relocations.
26Hanford Viaductdata-sort-value="2" ViaductAbutments under construction. All 286 bridge columns have been completed. Construction of the falsework for the superstructure is underway. As of November 2, 2023, the majority of the 978 total girders needed have been installed.[82]
27Hanford Armona Road Grade Separationdata-sort-value="1" 224.92milesGS
28Houston Avenue Grade Separationdata-sort-value="1" 225.96milesGS
29Iona Avenue Grade Separationdata-sort-value="1" GSUnknown if this structure will actually be constructed. If not, Iona Ave will be terminated on either side of the high speed rail alignment.
30Idaho Avenue Overcrossingdata-sort-value="3" 227.96milesOvercrossingIdaho Avenue Overcrossing opened on May 3, 2023, along with the Dover Avenue Overcrossing
31Jackson Avenue Overcrossingdata-sort-value="3" 228.97milesOvercrossingBridge was opened to traffic on September 15, 2022, and was the first structure to be completed in Kings County.[83] [84]
32State Route 43 (near Jersey Avenue) Overpassdata-sort-value="2" GSHigh speed rail will pass through a closed Jersey Avenue and under SR 43 which will be rebuilt on an elevated structure. Road was temporarily realigned to the west in mid-November 2023.
33Kent Avenue Grade Separationdata-sort-value="3" 231.18milesGSStructure completed and opened to traffic on October 12, 2022, and was the second structure to be completed in Kings County.[85] [86]
34Kansas Avenue Grade Separationdata-sort-value="3" 232.21milesGS[87]
35Lansing Avenue Underpassdata-sort-value="1" CulvertBox culvert-style agricultural underpass.
36Cross Creek Viaductdata-sort-value="2" ViaductViaduct spanning Cross Creek.
37State Route 43 (south of Cross Creek) Curved Bridgedata-sort-value="2" 235.82milesOverpassHigh speed rail crossing under a new elevated structure for SR 43. Road was temporarily realigned in early November 2023.
38Newark Avenue Overpassdata-sort-value="1" OverpassHigh speed rail crossing over Newark Avenue. This grade separation structure may not be built; if so, Newark Ave will be terminated on either side of the high speed rail embankment.
39Waukena Avenue Overpassdata-sort-value="1" 240.17milesOverpassHigh speed rail crossing over a realigned Waukena Avenue (a/k/a Corcoran Highway).
40Whitley Avenue Overpassdata-sort-value="2" 241.16milesOverpassHigh speed rail crossing over Whitley Avenue/SR 137. Construction started in December 2022 and is expected to continue through 2023 and into 2024.
41Tule River Viaduct & Pergoladata-sort-value="2" 244.79milesViaduct/PergolaViaduct/Pergola/Bridge combination over SR 43, Avenue 144, the BNSF Railway, and the Tule River. SR 43 realigned. As of November 22, 2023, 102 girders of the 264 total needed have been placed.
42Avenue 120 Grade Separationdata-sort-value="2" 248.1milesGSLand has started being cleared on both sides.[88]
43Avenue 88 Grade Separationdata-sort-value="2" 252.9milesGSEmbankments and abutments complete.Bridge deck has been complete for several months, awaiting paving of embankment ramps.
44Deer Creek Viaductdata-sort-value="2" ViaductViaduct spanning Deer Creek and adjacent wetlands to the south.
45West Isle Line Railroad Grade Separationdata-sort-value="1" Railway GSHigh speed rail to cross over freight rail track on an overhead structure.
46Alpaugh Irrigation Ponddata-sort-value="2" CausewayHigh speed rail to bisect Alpaugh Pond via a causeway.
47Avenue 56 Grade Separationdata-sort-value="2" 257.16milesGSEmbankments have begun being built up, power line and temporary road relocations are complete.
48Avenue 24 Grade Separationdata-sort-value="2" 261.17milesCulvertBox culvert-style agricultural underpass. Utility relocations are complete, embankments are in the process of being built up.

CP 4 (Tulare/Kern – Poplar Avenue)

CP4 spans 22miles, from the end of CP2-3 to the intersection of Poplar and Madera Avenue northwest of Shafter. The contract was awarded February 29, 2016, and a Notice to Proceed was given on April 15, 2016.

As of April 2024, all 11 structures were complete; out of 22 miles of guideway, 21 were complete, and the remaining one was under construction.

ProjectStatusMilepostTypeDate of completionNotesRefs
1Garces Highway Viaductdata-sort-value="3" 266.5milesViaductBridge allowing High Speed Rail to pass over Garces Highway[89]
2Semitropic WSD Canal Relocationdata-sort-value="3" CulvertCulvert for Semitropic Water Storage District Canal to cross under High Speed Rail embankment. This project was delayed by cracks discovered in the existing canal when preparing the diversion of it to the relocated crossing.
3Pond Road Viaductdata-sort-value="3" 270milesViaduct[90]
4Peterson Road Bridgedata-sort-value="3" 271.2milesGrade Separation (GS)[91]
5Sherwood Canal Culvertdata-sort-value="3" CulvertSpring 2022Culvert for Canal to cross under High Speed Rail embankment. Completed sometime prior to Spring 2022.
6Poso Creek Viaductdata-sort-value="3" Viaduct240feet length[92]
7NKWSD Canal #9-22 Relocationdata-sort-value="2" CulvertNorth Kern Water Storage District (NKWSD) Canal #9-22 relocation. Only remaining project to be completed in CP4.
8McCombs Road Grade Separationdata-sort-value="3" 277.3milesGSMcCombs Road crossing over High Speed rail, BNSF tracks, and SR 43.[93]
9SR 46 Underpassdata-sort-value="3" UnderpassRebuilt underpass enabling SR 46 to pass under High Speed Rail and BNSF tracks.
10Wasco Pedestrian Underpassdata-sort-value="3" UnderpassBox culvert underpass enabling pedestrians to cross under High Speed Rail for access to Wasco AMTRAK Station along adjacent BNSF tracks.
11Poso Avenue Underpassdata-sort-value="3" UnderpassNew underpass enabling Poso Avenue (a/k/a Poso Drive) to pass under High Speed Rail, BNSF tracks, and Wasco Avenue (a/k/a J Street). Now complete and open to traffic.
12Wasco Viaductdata-sort-value="3" 280.4milesViaduct/PergolaMajor construction is complete as of March 2024. Some minor work remains that is likely to be completed in the coming months.[94] [95]
13Kimberlina Viaductdata-sort-value="3" 281.4milesViaductViaduct for High Speed Rail to pass over Kimberlina Road.[96]
14Merced Avenue Grade Separationdata-sort-value="3" GSRoadway overpass of SR 43, BNSF Railway, and high speed rail alignment now completed and open to traffic. Temporary solar panels installed for powering roadway lighting pending permanent connection to PG&E electrical grid.

Station construction details

Five stations are planned for the Initial Operating Segment (IOS). The design contract for the central valley stations was awarded on October 20, 2022. This contact is for initial planning, including utilities management; a follow-on contract will be necessary for detailed station construction plans.[97] The number of stations on the completed system was limited by Proposition 1A to 24.

At the start of operations of the Interim Initial Operating Segment (Interim IOS, Merced to Bakersfield) there will be 5 stations. These stations are discussed in the 2023 Project Update Report on pages 12–15. The report also has a timeline (on pages 8–9) that shows station construction is anticipated to commence in mid-2026, and finish in mid-2029.

Station Information
Station Status Location Notes Images
Initial planning & design An aerial multi-modal hub station located adjacent to State Route 99, the Union Pacific Railroad Line and the Merced Transpo between R and O streets. Local community is responsible ...
Initial planning & design Located North of Ave. 12 in Madera CHSRA is responsible, along with the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) ...
Initial planning & design. The Fresno Historic Depot seismic retrofit design has also commenced and is expected to be completed in December 2024. Located in downtown Fresno between Fresno, G, H, and Tulare streets. This will be a new station that incorporates the Historic Depot building into the site plan.CHSRA is responsible ...
Initial planning & design Located near the intersection of State Routes 198 and 43 CHSRA is responsible ...
Initial planning & design Project area is generally bounded by F Street to the west, 38th Street to the north, Union Avenue to the east and California Avenue to the south CHSRA is responsible ...

Per the December 6, 2023 Board Memo: Construction Update: [98]

"Central Valley Station Design Update
The station design contract was executed in March 2023 and awarded to Foster + Partners and Arup (F+P Arup) for the first phase of station designs. The preliminary designs for the four Central Valley stations have started, and the concept designs were submitted to the Authority in November 2023. The Fresno Historic Depot seismic retrofit design also commenced and is expected to be completed in December 2024. Outreach and coordination efforts with local agencies and stakeholders will remain ongoing as the design of stations advances."

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: California High-Speed Rail: Construction Update .
  2. Web site: Build HSR 'Construction Progress' . California High-Speed Rail Authority Finance & Audit Committee.
  3. Web site: Construction Package 2-3 . 2023-07-30 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  4. Web site: Construction Package 4 . 2023-07-30 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  5. Web site: Board Memo: Construction Update . CAHSR Authority . 1 December 2023.
  6. https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-Project-Update-Report-FINAL-022823.pdf
  7. Web site: 2022 Business Plan . 42.
  8. Web site: Caltrain Electrification Delayed to 2024 | Caltrain . 3 June 2021 .
  9. Web site: Metro to Approve Early Phase of Union Station Run-Through Tracks Construction . 24 May 2022 .
  10. https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-Project-Update-Report-FINAL-022823.pdf pg 11
  11. News: Michael Martinez. Governor signs law to make California home to nation's first truly high-speed rail. CNN. July 19, 2012. September 3, 2012.
  12. Web site: Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.. ca.gov. January 14, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20150905132418/http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17639. September 5, 2015. dead.
  13. News: High-Speed Rail Authority Hosts Official Groundbreaking Ceremony. January 6, 2015. California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  14. Web site: California High-Speed Train November 2008 Business Plan. Hsr.ca.gov. July 25, 2022.
  15. Web site: Revised 2012 Business Plan. Hsr.ca.gov. July 25, 2022.
  16. Web site: Project Update Report to the California State Legislature. Hsr.ca.gov. 2016-01-14.
  17. Web site: 2018 Business Plan. Hsr.ca.gov. July 25, 2022.
  18. https://hsr.ca.gov/about/high-speed-rail-business-plans/2020-business-plan/ Draft 2020 Business Plan
  19. https://hsr.ca.gov/about/high-speed-rail-business-plans/2022-business-plan/chapter-5/ 2022 Business Plan. Chapter 5
  20. Web site: Bold Bets: California on the Move?. . February 25, 2015. Video of event.
  21. High-Speed Rail Authority Approves State Matching Funds to Extend Backbone of Statewide System . . December 20, 2010 . January 8, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101226173825/http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/pr_approvesstatematch.aspx . December 26, 2010.
  22. Web site: STB Approves Fresno to Bakersfield Route. California High-Speed Rail Blog. August 12, 2014. Robert . Cruickshank. https://web.archive.org/web/20141121235113/http://www.cahsrblog.com/2014/08/stb-approves-fresno-to-bakersfield-route/. usurped. November 21, 2014.
  23. News: U.S. board: Federal law on high-speed rail trumps state environmental lawsuits . Tim . Sheehan. December 15, 2014. The Fresno Bee.
  24. News: Farm Bureaus jump into Supreme Court high-speed rail case. Tim . Sheehan. The Fresno Bee. June 2, 2015.
  25. Web site: Archived copy . 2015-08-31 . 2015-09-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924031651/http://www.hsr.ca.gov/docs/newsroom/2015_RDP_Contract_Awarded_to_International_Team_061015.pdf . dead .
  26. News: Tutor Perini Joint Venture Executes Contract for California High-Speed Rail Project . The Wall Street Journal . August 20, 2013.
  27. News: California high-speed-rail groundbreaking pushed back another few months. San Jose Mercury News. September 17, 2013. October 21, 2013.
  28. Interview of Dan Richard by James Fallows at Bold Bets conference on February 25, 2015
  29. Web site: Five construction teams invited to bid for next high-speed rail contract in Valley. Tim . Sheehan. The Fresno Bee. May 12, 2015.
  30. Web site: Archived copy . 2015-08-31 . 2015-09-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924031639/http://www.hsr.ca.gov/docs/about/legislative_affairs/SB1029_Project_Update_Report_030115.pdf . dead .
  31. Web site: Archived copy . 2016-01-16 . 2016-01-09 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160109085045/http://www.hsr.ca.gov/docs/newsroom/2016_Authority_Announces_Bid_Results_on_Next_22Miles_of_Construction.pdf . dead .
  32. Web site: CA: High-Speed Rail Contract Inked for Kern County Stretch . 2016-04-29 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160513061812/http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/12177009/ca-high-speed-rail-contract-inked-for-kern-county-stretch . 2016-05-13.
  33. News: First phase of bullet train is cut due to Bakersfield, Shafter disputes. Los Angeles Times. June 8, 2015. Dan . Weikel . Ralph . Vartabedian.
  34. Web site: NEWS RELEASE: California High-Speed Rail Board Approves Design Contracts to Prepare for Construction into Merced and Bakersfield . 2022-08-17 . California High-Speed Rail . en.
  35. Web site: Despite Hurdles, Pushback, Major Construction Under Way On High-Speed Rail Project . 15 November 2022 . Construction Equipment Guide . 26 December 2022.
  36. Web site: CAHSRA . High Speed Rail Board Awards Design Contract for Central Valley Stations . 20 October 2022 .
  37. Web site: Senate Bill No. 1029 . California Legislature . 27 December 2022.
  38. Web site: Connectivity Projects . California HSRA . 27 December 2022.
  39. Web site: Caltrain Electrification Delayed to 2024 | Caltrain . 3 June 2021 .
  40. Web site: Construction Package 1 . 2023-07-30 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  41. Web site: CAHSRA . Central Valley Status Report June 2024 .
  42. Web site: Rail Crossing Inventory Data. California Public Utilities Commission. 4 August 2023.
  43. Web site: Madera Station Relocation Project. San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. 2023-10-01.
  44. Web site: Road 27 Grade Separation. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  45. Web site: Fresno River Viaduct. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  46. Web site: NEWS RELEASE: High-Speed Rail Authority Completes Overpass, Opens Roadway to Traffic in Madera County . 2022-08-28 . California High-Speed Rail . en.
  47. Web site: Avenue 15 Grade Separation. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  48. Web site: Cottonwood Creek Viaduct. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  49. Web site: Avenue 12 Grade Separation. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  50. Web site: Avenue 11 Grade Separation. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  51. Web site: Avenue 10 Grade Separation. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  52. Web site: Avenue 8 Overpass. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  53. Web site: Avenue 7 Grade Separation. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  54. Web site: San Joaquin River Viaduct & Pergola. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  55. Web site: Construction Update: May 2021 Edition. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-12-21. BuildHSR.
  56. Web site: Veterans Boulevard. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  57. Web site: Golden State Boulevard Realignment. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR. .
  58. Web site: Permanent Road Closure Along Golden State Boulevard In Fresno. California High-Speed Rail Authority. BuildHSR.
  59. Web site: State Route 99 Realignment. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-24. BuildHSR.
  60. Web site: Fresno Trench & State Route 180 Passageway. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-23. BuildHSR.
  61. Web site: Tuolumne Street Bridge Construction. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-23. BuildHSR.
  62. Web site: Tulare Street Undercrossing. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-23. BuildHSR.
  63. Web site: Ventura Street Undercrossing. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-23. BuildHSR.
  64. Web site: PHOTO RELEASE: High-Speed Rail Completes Signature Structure in City of Fresno. 2023-05-10. California High-Speed Rail. 10 May 2023 .
  65. Web site: Muscat Avenue Viaduct. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-23. BuildHSR.
  66. Web site: CAHSRA . Central Valley Status Report, September 2022 . 18.
  67. Web site: American Avenue Grade Separation. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-09-23. BuildHSR.
  68. Web site: Adams Avenue Grade Separation. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-12-13. BuildHSR.
  69. Web site: South Avenue Grade Separation. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-12-13. BuildHSR.
  70. Web site: CAHSRA . High-Speed Rail Completes Two Grade Separations in Fresno County .
  71. Web site: Mountain View Avenue Grade Separation . 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  72. Web site: Conejo Viaduct . 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  73. Web site: Fowler Avenue Grade Separation . 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  74. Web site: CAHSRA . High-Speed Rail Authority Completes Overcrossing at Davis Avenue in Fresno County . 30 October 2023 .
  75. Web site: State Route 43 Tied Arch Bridge . 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  76. Web site: California High-Speed Rail Construction Update . July 25, 2022 . Hsr.ca.gov.
  77. Web site: Cairo Avenue Viaduct . 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  78. Web site: California High-Speed Rail . The Authority & contractor @DFJV_CP23 announced the completion of the Dover Avenue & Idaho Avenue grade separations. These two new overcrossings are now open to traffic & are the latest HSR structures to be completed in Kings County. #BuildHSR . 4 May 2023 . Twitter.
  79. Web site: Excelsior Avenue Overcrossing . 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  80. Web site: The Flint Avenue overcrossing is completed and now open to traffic in Kings County! . 2024-06-26 . Twitter . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  81. Web site: Fargo Avenue Grade Separation . 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  82. Web site: Hanford Viaduct . 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  83. Web site: Jackson Avenue Overcrossing . 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  84. Web site: Twitter message . 2022-09-15 . Twitter.
  85. Web site: Kent Avenue Grade Separation . 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR . California High-Speed Rail Authority.
  86. Web site: 2022-10-12 . NEWS RELEASE: High-Speed Rail Completes Second Structure in Kings County . 2022-10-12 . California High-Speed Rail . en.
  87. Web site: CAHSRA . High-Speed Rail Authority Completes Overcrossing at Kansas Avenue in Kings County . 2 November 2023 .
  88. Web site: Avenue 120 on Sentinelhub .
  89. Web site: Garces Highway Viaduct. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR.
  90. Web site: Pond Road Viaduct. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-12-13 . BuildHSR.
  91. Web site: Peterson Road Bridge. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-12-14 . BuildHSR.
  92. Web site: Poso Creek Viaduct. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-12-14 . BuildHSR.
  93. Web site: California High-Speed Rail . The McCombs Road overcrossing in Kern County is now completed! This is the fifth structure completed by the Authority in 2023. This grade separation spans 415 ft, is 40 ft wide, & realigns McCombs Road to take traffic over SR 43 and the future high-speed rail lines. #BuildHSR . 2023-07-27 . Twitter.
  94. Web site: Wasco Viaduct. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-12-14 . BuildHSR.
  95. Web site: Wasco Viaduct - March 5th, 2024 [4K 60FPS HDR] - YouTube ]. 2024-03-14 . YouTube.
  96. Web site: Kimberlina Viaduct. California High-Speed Rail Authority. 2021-12-14 . BuildHSR.
  97. Web site: CAHSRA . High Speed Rail Board Awards Design Contract for Central Valley Stations .
  98. Web site: Board Memo: Construction Update . California High-Speed Rail Authority . 1 December 2023.