Palmdale to Burbank

On May 24, 2024, the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) released the Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the approximately 31–38-mile Palmdale to Burbank project alignment section. The Authority’s Board of Directors is anticipated to consider approval of the Palmdale to Burbank FEIR during a meeting on June 26 and 27. The action would pave the way for full CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) environmental clearance of over 450 miles of the high-speed rail project’s 500-mile Phase 1 alignment from San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim.

The next steps under CEQA and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will include the issuance of a Record of Decision consistent with NEPA requirements and the filing of a CEQA Notice of Determination. The Final EIR/EIS can be found on the Authority’s website here:  https://hsr.ca.gov/programs/environmental-planning/project-section-environmental-documents-tier-2/palmdale-to-burbank-environmental-documents/.

A link to a PowerPoint presentation associated with this topic can be found here: PowerPoint: Palmdale to Burbank Amendment to the Preferred Alternative.

• Virtual fly over video of the SR14A Preferred Alternative – English
• Virtual fly over video of the SR14A Preferred Alternative – Spanish
• Virtual fly over video of the SR14 alternative 
• Virtual fly over video of the E1 alternative
• Virtual fly over video of the E1A alternative
• Virtual fly over video of the E2 alternative
• Virtual fly over video of the E2A alternative

Notice of Extension of Comment Period for Palmdale to Burbank Project Section Draft EIR/EIS:

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) has approved a 30-day extension of the public review period for the Draft Environment Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Palmdale to Burbank Project Section. The Draft EIR/EIS for the Palmdale to Burbank Section has been available to the public on the Authority website since September 2, 2022. While a minimum 45-day review period is required for this document, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Authority had initially allowed for 60 days of public review. The new deadline for receipt of public comment was December 1, 2022.

The Authority is committed to planning and building a premier high-speed rail system that will keep the traveling public and surrounding communities moving and safe. We are working to develop and deliver the program through effective engagements with local communities, a process that involves nourishing long-term relationships with residents, stakeholders and policymakers. The goal is to foster and encourage community engagement throughout the organization in all aspect of construction and operations.

The public comment period began on September 2, 2022 and ended on November 1, 2022 December 1, 2022. During the comment period, comments were submitted by:

• Mail: California High-Speed Rail Authority, Southern California Regional Office, 355 S. Grand Ave., Suite 2050, Los Angeles, CA 90071
• Website: www.hsr.ca.gov
• Email: Palmdale_Burbank@hsr.ca.gov with subject line “Palmdale to Burbank Project Section Draft EIR/EIS Comment”
• Phone: (800) 630-1039
• At the online Public Hearing.

Comments had to be received during the Public Hearing orally, electronically or postmarked on or before 5:00 p.m. PDT November 1, 2022 December 1, 2022.

In conducting outreach events, the Authority informs the public about all aspects of the program, including the presentation of specific project section plans and key milestones contributing to the first phase of the high-speed rail system.

For a listing of upcoming events and outreach opportunities in your area visit the Events page.

•  Palmdale to Burbank

The Authority is committed to keeping stakeholders and the public up-to-date on the latest on the high-speed rail program, and the latest updates happening in the regions.

• Palmdale to Burbank Fact Sheet
• Hoja informativa de Palmdale a Burbank
• Grade Crossings Fact Sheet
• Tunneling Fact Sheet
• Wildlife, Biological and Aquatic Resources Fact Sheet

To sign up for project section updates, visit the Contact Us page and select Northern California, Central Valley or Southern California.

Visit the Information Center to learn more about California High-Speed Rail and to view the Authority’s factsheets.

View the most recent Southern California Regional Newsletter.

The State of California and the federal government both require a proposed infrastructure project to undergo an extensive assessment of the project’s potential impacts on the environment – land, air, water, minerals, plants, animals, noise, socioeconomic impacts, and environmental justice – and proposed actions to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible.

Decisions regarding how and where to build the California high-speed rail system are made and justified by using detailed environmental studies and public comments on the potential environmental impacts of the proposed rail system and routes.

The materials listed under the Documents & Reports section below include studies and reports the Authority has produced to date, along with corresponding public comments received, during the environmental review process of the Palmdale to Burbank project section. 

The following documents are available for review upon request. The Authority encourages written requests submitted via our Public Records Portal.

• Palmdale to Burbank Project Section Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS)
• Palmdale to Burbank Project Section Supplemental Alternatives Analysis (SAA)
• Palmdale to Burbank Project Section Scoping Report
• Palmdale to Burbank Project Section Notice of Intent/Notice of Preparation

If you are interested in inviting the Authority to your community meeting to receive a project update, the team would be happy to coordinate with you.

(800) 630-1039
palmdale_burbank@hsr.ca.gov

Visit the Contact Us page to sign up for e-mail alerts and for additional contact information.