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NEWS RELEASE: California High-Speed Rail Accelerates Timeline for 2026 Rail Installation

Industry to be invited to bid on rail, other materials needed to lay electrified high-speed track and systems

August 28, 2025

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors approved proceeding with procurements to purchase high-speed rail materials, a major milestone to accelerate track and systems construction, slated to begin in the next year.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Board of Directors today approved the issuance of invitations for bids for the provision of high-speed rail track and other required system components. These materials will be used to install the nation’s first electrified high-speed track and systems within the next year.
Headshot of Ian Choudri in a gray suit and white-button up shirt.

“Purchasing the track and materials needed to launch the nation’s first high-speed track and systems installation within the next year is a major milestone. This procurement will not only accelerate construction of high-speed track, but by purchasing directly from American manufacturers, we will deliver significant savings to the state. California High-Speed Rail is the only high-speed rail system under construction in North America. Today, we are taking concrete actions to build faster, smarter, and more economically to deliver a modern, high-speed rail system that promotes economic mobility, affordable housing, and a cleaner environment throughout the state.”

Ian Choudri, Authority CEO
The Board’s approval opens the door for American manufacturers to competitively bid in six separate procurements, just as the Authority nears completion of its southern railhead project in Kern County. This 150-acre rail staging yard located at the southernmost end of the Central Valley segment will allow freight trains to receive and deploy the materials directly to the point of installation along the initial 119-mile alignment.

Procurement of High-Speed Rail Materials

Materials needed to lay track along the 119-mile segment will be 100% state funded and include several commodities, including rail, ties, overhead contact system poles, fiber optic cable, and EN ballast, with a total approved cost of $507 million spread over multiple anticipated contract awards. These components are necessary for high-speed rail installation and operations, with lead times ranging from 6 to 12 months.

For each materials contract, a Notice to Proceed (NTP) will be issued in multiple stages, including:

  • NTP 1: supply of materials for use in the 119-mile section (Madera to Poplar Avenue). NTP 1 is 100% state funded.
  • NTP 2 & 3 are optional, with the Authority able to later approve purchase of additional materials for future extensions. NTP 2 & 3 may be a blend of state and federal funding.

All materials will be newly manufactured goods and compliant with the Buy America and the Build America, Buy America Act. Invitation for bids are scheduled to begin on or after August 2025.

For more information on the procurement, including anticipated schedule, visit: https://hsr.ca.gov/business-opportunities/procurements/architectural-engineering-and-capital-contracts/procurement-of-high-speed-rail-materials/

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. Nearly 70 miles of guideway are complete, along with 57 structures, with 29 more 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.

Since construction began, the project has created over 15,800 good-paying jobs—most filled by Central Valley residents. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.

Interviews in Spanish are available upon request. For more information, contact the Authority’s media relations office at: news@hsr.ca.gov.

Se ofrecen entrevistas en Español bajo solicitud. Para obtener más información, contacte a la Oficina de Relaciones con los Medios por correo electrónico: news@hsr.ca.gov.

For the latest on high-speed rail construction, visit www.buildhsr.com.

The following link contains recent video, animations, photography, press center resources and latest renderings: https://hsra.app.box.com/s/vyvjv9hckwl1dk603ju15u07fdfir2q8. Files are all available for free use, courtesy of the California High-Speed Rail Authority

Build More, Faster

High-speed rail is a key part of Governor Newsom’s Build More, Faster agenda, delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating jobs throughout the state. Discover more: Build.ca.gov
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