The California High–Speed Rail Authority has kicked off a $3.5 billion bidding process for companies to design and build the track and rail systems for its high-speed rail network.
In a press release, the agency described this phase as “the first true high-speed rail track and systems ever built in the United States.”
Why It’s Important
This is the largest high-speed rail effort in North America and is intended to deliver faster, lower-emission travel across California.
First approved by voters in 2008, the project has been years in development and has weathered funding constraints, lawsuits, and shifting political support. Awarding this contract marks a key step toward getting trains running.
Key Details
The Track and Systems Construction Contract (TSCC) invites bids for work on the 119-mile segment currently under construction in the Central Valley, as well as the future extensions to Merced and Bakersfield.
The contract is divided into nine packages that cover major elements such as:
- Track installation
- Electrification
- Train control
- Communications systems
- Testing and safety validation
Work will proceed section by section, allowing crews to install track and systems as each portion of civil construction is completed.
The announcement follows the completion of track installation at the authority’s 150-acre railhead facility in Kern County, which serves as the central hub for high-speed rail materials. From this site, freight trains move track and systems components directly to construction areas along the route.
The full system is planned to span 494 miles, ultimately linking San Francisco with Los Angeles and Anaheim. Of that, 463 miles have already received full environmental clearance for construction.
So far, more than 70 miles of guideway — the physical railway — have been built, along with nearly 60 major structures such as bridges and viaducts. The project has generated over 16,100 jobs, with up to 1,700 workers reporting to construction sites each day.
What Officials Are Saying
Ian Choudri, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, said in a press release:
“Bringing this contract to market today is a major milestone of our new delivery strategy: building faster, smarter, and more economically. Together with our innovative direct purchases of track and systems materials, this action puts us on an accelerated path to laying the first true high-speed rail track in the Western Hemisphere next year.”
What’s Next
According to Rail Journal, a prebid conference and small business workshop are scheduled in Sacramento on December 19, with proposals due by March 2, 2026.
