# Construction of California High-Speed Rail

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 800 miles (1,300 km) and will be completed in two phases:
* Phase 1 (totaling about 500 miles (800 km)) runs from the metropolitan area of the San Francisco Bay Area in northern California to the metropolitan area of Greater Los Angeles in southern California. It has been partially funded and is under construction mainly in the San Joaquin Valley since 2015, as well as in "bookend" investments in the two metropolitan areas, and will take an as-yet unknown number of years to complete.
* Phase 2 is a future extension of the system north to Sacramento, and south through the Inland Empire to San Diego.

## 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:
* Environmental clearance
* Design and civil construction
* Installation of track and systems
* 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 1 | Northern California | San Francisco — San Jose | Cleared | Partially funded (Caltrain electrification) | Shared corridor with Caltrain | n/a | Electrified Caltrain service: since September 2024 | 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. |
| Phase 1 | Northern California | San Jose — Gilroy | Cleared | Currently unfunded | Partially shared corridor with Caltrain | | | |
| Phase 1 | Northern California | Gilroy — Merced | Cleared | Currently unfunded | High-speed ROW | | | Requires tunneling under the Pacheco Pass |
| Phase 1 | Initial Operating Segment (IOS) | Merced — Madera | Cleared | Design funded, construction unfunded | High-speed ROW | | | 30% design complete, next advancing on 100% design and land acquisition |
| Phase 1 | Initial Operating Segment (IOS) | Madera — South of Fresno (CP1) | Cleared | Fully funded | High-speed ROW | Active construction, expected completion: Nov 2026 | | |
| Phase 1 | Initial Operating Segment (IOS) | South of Fresno — Tulare/Kern border (CP2-3) | Cleared | Fully funded | High-speed ROW | Active construction, expected completion: 2026 | | |
| Phase 1 | Initial Operating Segment (IOS) | Tulare/Kern border — Poplar Avenue (CP4) | Cleared | Fully funded | High-speed ROW | Declared substantively complete in January 2025 | | All structures and guideway complete except a 400 ft section due to outstanding utility relocation |
| Phase 1 | Initial Operating Segment (IOS) | Poplar Avenue — Bakersfield | Cleared | Design funded, construction partially funded | High-speed ROW | | | Currently advancing to 30% design, North Bakersfield to Bakersfield station currently unfunded |
| Phase 1 | Southern California | Bakersfield — Palmdale | Cleared | Currently unfunded | High-speed ROW | | | |
| Phase 1 | Southern California | Palmdale — Burbank | Cleared | Currently unfunded | High-speed ROW | | | |
| Phase 1 | Southern California | Burbank — Los Angeles Union Station | Cleared | Currently unfunded | Shared corridor with Metrolink, Amtrak, and Union Pacific | | | |
| Phase 1 | Southern California | Los Angeles Union Station — Anaheim | Awaiting clearance | Currently unfunded | — | | | |
| Phase 2 | Northern California | Sacramento — Merced | | Currently unfunded | — | | | |
| Phase 2 | Southern California | Los Angeles Union Station — San Diego | | Currently unfunded | — | | | |

## 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.
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.
* Construction Package 1 (CP 1) comprises 32 miles (51 km) from Avenue 17 north of Madera to East American Avenue south of Fresno. It includes 12 grade separations, two viaducts, one tunnel, a major river crossing over the San Joaquin River, and the realignment of State Route 99. The contractor is the joint venture of Tutor-Perini/Zachry/Parsons. The design-build contract was signed August 16, 2013.$^{:12}$ CP 1 is anticipated to be substantially completed in 2026. As of end of October 2023: of 33 structures, by the end of 2023 10 will be underway, and only 15 will remain to be completed; of 32 miles of guideway, 2 miles are completed, 18 are underway, and 12 miles remain; and of 992 utility relocations, 564 have been completed, 250 are in progress, and 178 remain.
* Construction Package 2-3 (CP 2-3) comprises 65 miles (105 km) from East American Avenue south of Fresno to 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the Tulare / Kern County border. It includes approximately 36 grade separations, viaducts, underpasses, and overpasses. The contractor is the joint venture of Dragados USA/Flatiron Construction. The design-build contract was signed June 10, 2015.$^{:21}$ CP 2-3 is anticipated to be substantially completed in 2026. As of end of October 2023: of 49 structures, by the end of 2023, 16 are complete, 23 will be underway, and only 10 will remain to be completed; of 65 miles of guideway, 33 miles are completed, 16 are underway, and 16 miles remain; and of 701 utility relocations, 493 have been completed, 66 are in progress, and 142 remain.
* Construction Package 4 (CP 4) comprises 22 miles (35 km) adjoining the end of CP 2-3 to the intersection of Poplar / Madera Avenue northwest of Shafter. It includes at-grade embankments, retained-fill over-crossings, viaducts, aerial sections of the high-speed rail alignment, and the relocation of four miles of existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) tracks. The contractor is California Rail Builders, a joint venture of Ferrovial-Agroman West, LLC and Griffith Company. The design-build contract was signed February 29, 2016.$^{:30}$ CP4 is anticipated to be substantially completed by the end of 2023. As of December 6, 2023 only 400 ft. of guideway remain to be completed.
Per the December 6, 2023 Board Memo: Construction Update:
"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):
* CP1 Seven of eight major commercial issues noted in 2022 Business Plan have resolved, and only Church Avenue remains.
* CP2-3 Three of four major commercial issues noted in 2022 Business Plan have been resolved, and the last one (Cross Creek) is in arbitration.
* CP4 The one major commercial issue noted in the 2022 Business Plan has been resolved.
* Finishing the 119-mile Construction Packages:
** "The Authority now has over 96% of right-of-way in hand, has completed design of the 119-mile HSR civil infrastructure, and has completed 53% of utility relocations, with another 19% underway. The new estimates for this existing construction work represent updates from major final design elements being incorporated into construction contracts via change orders and updates due to global inflation and new construction schedules – due in part to COVID-19. To complete current civil contracts and related work, $2.2 billion is added to the 2022 Business Plan estimate."
* New Contracts/Work to Complete Merced to Bakersfield:
** "The Authority is also looking towards new procurements for civil construction to Merced and Bakersfield, the track and systems work, stations, and finally trainsets. We are already approaching the extensions differently by advancing design to the configuration-level, which is generally about 30 percent, and will procure right-of-way in advance of construction work."
* Beginning planning work for IOS stations.
* Extensions of the line from the above central section to Bakersfield and Merced, totaling 52 additional miles (84 km), are also progressing through advanced design work, right-of-way mapping, and identification of utility relocation work. Construction contracts have not yet been let.
** Merced to Madera extension (34 miles). Segment begins at R Street in Downtown Merced and concludes at Avenue 19 in Madera.
** Shafter to Bakersfield (19 miles). Segment begins at southern limit of CP 4 at Poplar Avenue in Shafter and ends at the Bakersfield station at F Street.
* The Heavy Maintenance Facility (HMF) is proceeding through the planning and approval process.
* Cost updates for new contracts are:
"Bookend" investments are also underway to the north and south:
* The Caltrain electrification "bookend" investment in the Bay Area (as well as grade separations, etc.) is proceeding, and is expected to be completed in late 2024.
* A "bookend" investment in the "Link US" project (Phase A) will shortly begin construction for Los Angeles Union Station. Phase B still needs to be funded. (There are also other "bookend" investments which are in progress.)

## History of construction
### Major construction milestones

* On December 2, 2010, the Authority Board of Directors voted to begin construction on the first section of the system (in the Central Valley).
* On July 19, 2012, Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation approving construction of the high-speed system.
* On January 6, 2015, the City of Fresno hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of sustained construction activities.
* On January 6, 2025, groundbreaking for the railhead was held outside of Bakersfield, in a ceremony marking the substantive completion of CP 4 and the beginning of laying track.

### Past projected construction timelines

The 2008 Business Plan projected that construction for the entire project would be completed by 2030.
The 2012 Business Plan projected HSR service between Los Angeles and San Francisco would not be available until 2029.
The 2016 Business Plan projected:
* By 2018: The Initial Construction Segment (ICS) would be completed – 130 miles (210 km) – Merced to Bakersfield.
* By 2022: Initial Operating Section (IOS) would be completed – 300 miles (480 km) – Merced to Burbank
* By 2027: Bay to Basin would be completed – 410 miles (660 km) – San Jose & Merced to Burbank
* By 2029: Phase 1 Blended would be completed – 520 miles (840 km) – San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim
The 2018 Business Plan projected HSR service between Los Angeles and San Francisco will not be available until 2033.
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.
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.

### 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).
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).
In September 2012, the Obama administration gave California's high-speed rail project the green light to streamline the permitting process for the 114-mile (183 km) 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.
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. However, this supposition is still being tested in the California courts in a similar case, Friends of Eel River v. North Coast Railroad Authority.
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.

### Central Valley Construction

As of October 2024, active construction in the Central Valley has been ongoing on 119 miles (192 km) of high-speed right-of-way with a design speed of 220 miles per hour (350 km/h). These 119 miles are constructed by three different consortia, split into so-called "construction packages (CPs)": CP 1, CP 2-3, and CP 4. The full "initial operating segment (IOS)" in the Central Valley will stretch 171 miles (275 km), with its remaining segments under advanced design and construction contracts yet to be awarded.

#### Initial contracts awards (119 miles)

CP 1. 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 29 miles (47 km) long. The contract is valued at approximately $985 million, plus an additional $53 million in provisional sums. Construction was originally expected to begin in 2013, but was delayed by the slow pace of property acquisition.
CP 2-3. 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 65-mile (105 km) stretch from the south end of Fresno to near the Tulare-Kern county line and was deemed the "apparent best value" bidder by the Authority. 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. This plan however was deemed impossible due to soil and hydrological conditions on site and the plan was reverted to its original designs.
CP 4. Five construction teams competed for this 22-mile (35.4 km) segment. This section was estimated to cost $400–500 million. 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). 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. 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 8 miles (13 km) to a length of 22 miles (35 km) 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. 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.

#### Central Valley extensions (52 miles)

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. 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.

#### Rail facilities and stations

The design contract for the Central Valley stations was awarded on October 20, 2022.
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 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."
Major "bookend" investments are underway to the north and south:
* The Caltrain electrification "bookend" investment in the Bay Area (as well as grade separations, etc.) is proceeding, and is expected to be completed in late 2024.
* A "bookend" investment in the "Link US" project (Phase A) will shortly begin construction for Los Angeles Union Station. Phase B still needs to be funded.
Other connectivity projects partly funded by the Authority are:
* Bay Area Caltrain Advanced Signal System (CBOSS/Positive Train Control)
* Bay Area Central Subway
* Bay Area Maintenance Shop and Yard Improvements
* Bay Area Millbrae Station Track Improvement and Car Purchase
* Central Valley Sacramento Intermodal Facility High-Speed
* Central Valley San Joaquin Corridor, Merced to Le Grand Segment 1
* Central Valley Stockton Passenger Track Extension
* Central Valley/Los Angeles Metrolink High-Speed Rail Readiness Program
* Los Angeles Metrolink Positive Train Control
* Los Angeles Positive Train Control, Los Angeles to Fullerton Triple Track
* Los Angeles Positive Train Control, Moorpark to San Onofre
* Los Angeles Regional Connector Transit Corridor
* San Diego Blue Line Light Rail Improvements
* San Diego North San Diego County Transit District, Positive Train Control
* San Diego Positive Train Control, San Onofre to San Diego

## Construction status by structure
### CP 1 (Madera–Fresno)

Construction Package 1 (CP 1) is 32 miles (51 km) long, running from Avenue 19 north of Madera to East American Avenue south of Fresno. The contract was awarded August 16, 2013, and a Notice to Proceed was given on October 15, 2013.$^{:12}$ Groundbreaking was on January 6, 2015, in Fresno.
As of June 2024, out of 33 structures, 18 were complete, 11 were under construction, and 4 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.
| # | Project | Status | Milepost | Type | Date of completion | Notes |
| 1 | Road 26 GS | Under construction | | 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. |
| 2 | Road 27 GS | Completed | 167.69 mi (269.87 km) | GS | Aug 20, 2021 | 636 ft (194 m) length over BNSF and High-Speed Rail |
| 3 | Avenue 17 GS | Under construction | | GS | | Construct 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. |
| 4 | Fresno River Viaduct | Completed | 169.99 mi (273.57 km) | Viaduct | 2018 | 1,600 ft (490 m) length |
| 5 | Avenue 15+1⁄2 GS | Completed | | GS | Aug 26, 2022 | 468 ft (143 m) length over BNSF and High-Speed Rail |
| 6 | Avenue 15 GS | Completed | 171.32 mi (275.71 km) | GS | Aug 26, 2020 | 278 ft (85 m) length over BNSF and High-Speed Rail |
| 7 | Cottonwood Creek Viaduct | Completed | | Viaduct | Mar 2018 | 250 ft (76 m) length |
| 8 | Avenue 12 GS | Completed | 174.81 mi (281.33 km) | GS | 2022 | 167 ft (51 m) 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. |
| 9 | Avenue 11 GS | Completed | 175.82 mi (282.95 km) | GS | Jul 31, 2019 | 100 ft (30 m) length over High-Speed Rail. |
| 10 | Avenue 10 GS | Completed | 176.85 mi (284.61 km) | GS | Sep 8, 2020 | 116 ft (35 m) length over High-Speed Rail. |
| 11 | Avenue 9 GS | Completed | 177.94 mi (286.37 km) | GS | Nov 15, 2023 | Complete and open to traffic. |
| 12 | private agricultural underpass | Completed | | Culvert | Jul 31, 2019 | Box Culvert undercrossing for private farm road. |
| 13 | Avenue 8 Overpass | Completed | 179.08 mi (288.20 km) | Overpass | Jul 31, 2019 | 110 ft (34 m) length over High-Speed Rail. |
| 14 | Avenue 7 GS | Completed | 180.27 mi (290.12 km) | GS | Oct 2, 2020 | 196 ft (60 m) length over High-Speed Rail. |
| 15 | San Joaquin River Viaduct & Pergola | Completed | 181.59 mi (292.24 km) | Viaduct/Pergola | May 2021 | 4,741 ft (1,445 m) total length. Arch Span over San Joaquin River is 200 ft (61 m) long; the Pergola section over the Union Pacific Railroad has a length of 1,626 ft (496 m). |
| 16 | Herndon Avenue Underpass | Not yet started | | Underpass | | |
| 17 | Veterans Boulevard | Completed | | Street / GS | Sep 19, 2022 | Bridge crossing over Golden State Boulevard, High-Speed Rail and UPRR tracks. The bridge spanning the UPRR and CHSRA tracks opened on September 19th, 2022, while the SR-99 Interchange associated with this Grade Separation opened to traffic on November 20th, 2023. |
| 18 | Herndon Canal culvert | Completed | | Culvert | 2021 | Culvert built, Golden State Boulevard rerouted over culvert. |
| 19 | Shaw Avenue GS | Not yet started | | GS | | Bridge 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. |
| 20 | Golden State Boulevard Realignment | Under construction | | Realignment | | Golden State Boulevard between Olive Avenue and Belmont Avenue was permanently closed on March 4, 2024. |
| 21 | State Route 99 Realignment | Completed | | Realignment | Feb 15, 2018 | Open to traffic |
| 22 | McKinley Avenue GS | Under construction | 188.99 mi (304.15 km) | GS | | |
| 23 | Motel Drive Realignment | Not yet started | | Realignment | | Right of way largely cleared. Utility relocations periodically taking place. |
| 24 | Olive Avenue GS | Not yet started | | GS | | Overpass 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. |
| 25 | Belmont Avenue GS | Under construction | | GS | | Work 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). |
| 26 | Fresno Trench | Under construction | | Trench | | Wall 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. As of February 2025, the Westwide Wye is being moved back to original spot. Shoofly will be removed once new Wye track is placed. |
| 27 | State Route 180 Passageway | Completed | 190.83 mi (307.11 km) | Tunnel | | Cut-and-cover-tunnel under SR 180 freeway has been finished. |
| 28 | Stanislaus Street Bridge | Not yet started | | Removal | | Existing structure to be removed due to inadequate vertical clearance for High-Speed Rail. |
| 29 | Tuolumne Street Bridge | Completed | | Overpass | Aug 4, 2017 | Completed and open to traffic. |
| 30 | Fresno Street Underpass | Not yet started | 191.85 mi (308.75 km) | Underpass | | To be lengthened and renovated. |
| 31 | Tulare Street Underpass | Under construction | 192.03 mi (309.04 km) | Underpass | | Post-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. |
| 32 | Cesar Chavez Boulevard (formerly Ventura Street) Underpass | Under construction | | Underpass | | Crossing 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. |
| 33 | State Route 41 Freeway | Not yet started | | Modify Existing Viaducts | | Minor modifications to existing two structures (westbound and eastbound) which carry SR 41 over the High-Speed Rail alignment. |
| 34 | Church Avenue GS | Under construction | | GS | | Roadway 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. |
| 35 | Cedar Viaduct | Completed | 195.66 mi (314.88 km) | Viaduct | May 10, 2023 | 3,700 ft (1,100 m) in length. |
| 36 | Muscat Avenue Viaduct | Completed | 195.98 mi (315.40 km) | Viaduct | Mar 2018 | North Central Canal culvert complete |
| 37 | Property access Viaduct | Completed | | Viaduct | Mar 2018 | Short 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. |
| 38 | Central Avenue GS | Under construction | 196.48 mi (316.20 km) | GS | | Canal culvert has been completed, bridge deck completed. |
| 39 | East American Avenue GS | Completed | 197.49 mi (317.83 km) | GS | Nov 16, 2021 | 353 ft (108 m) 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. |

### CP 2-3 (Fresno – Tulare/Kern)

Construction package 2-3 (CP 2-3) is 65 miles (105 km) long, running from East American Avenue south of Fresno to 1 mile (1.6 km) 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.$^{:21}$ The contractor is the joint venture of Dragados USA/Flatiron Construction. Groundbreaking took place in August 2018.
As of June 2024, out of 49 structures, 19 were complete, 23 were under construction, 7 had not yet begun construction; out of 65 miles of guideway, 35 were complete, 15 were under construction, and 15 had not yet begun construction.
| # | Project | Status | Milepost | Type | Date of completion | Notes | Refs |
| 1 | Lincoln Avenue GS | Canceled | | 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. | |
| 2 | Adams Avenue GS | Completed | 199.49 mi (321.05 km) | GS | Dec 20, 2022 | Complete and open to traffic. | |
| 3 | South Avenue GS | Completed | 200.49 mi (322.66 km) | GS | Feb 28, 2022 | Complete and open to traffic. | |
| 4 | BNSF Track Realignment | Under construction | | Realignment | | Shifting the existing BNSF tracks to the east side of the right of way between South Avenue and the Conejo Viaduct. | |
| 5 | Manning Avenue GS | Under construction | 201.49 mi (324.27 km) | GS | | Roadway overpass; right of way cleared, roadway was removed on east side of tracks with embankment work underway as of late March 2024. | |
| 6 | Floral Avenue GS | Completed | 203.52 mi (327.53 km) | GS | July 15, 2024 | Complete and open to traffic. | |
| 7 | Nebraska Avenue GS | Not yet started | 204.60 mi (329.27 km) | GS | | Roadway overpass; right of way partially cleared | |
| 8 | Mountain View Avenue GS | Completed | 205.58 mi (330.85 km) | GS | July 15, 2024 | Complete and open to traffic. | |
| 9 | Conejo Viaduct & Pergola | Under construction | 207.70 mi (334.26 km) | Viaduct/Pergola | | All girders have been placed. | |
| 10 | Peach Avenue Viaduct | Under construction | 208.29 mi (335.21 km) | Viaduct | | Embankments and abutments complete on both sides, bridge deck appears to be in place. | |
| 11 | Elkhorn Avenue Overcrossing | Completed | | Overpass | Jul 7, 2023 | Complete and open to traffic. | |
| 12 | Fowler Avenue Overcrossing | Completed | | Overpass | Dec 21, 2022 | Complete and open to traffic. | |
| 13 | Davis Avenue Overcrossing | Completed | 212.08 mi (341.31 km) | Overpass | Oct 30, 2023 | Complete and open to traffic. | |
| 14 | State Route 43 Tied Arch Bridge | Under construction | | Viaduct | | Falsework for the bridge deck spanning SR-43 went up in February and March of 2024. | |
| 15 | Cole Slough Viaduct | Under construction | | Viaduct | | Right of way leading up on both sides cleared, river basin is partially cleared. | |
| 16 | Dutch John Cut Bridge | Under Construction | | Viaduct | | Temporary viaduct has been completed to allow construction crews to create the piers of the permanent structure. | |
| 17 | 9th Avenue Viaduct | Under construction | 215.67 mi (347.09 km) | Viaduct | | Bridge is mostly complete. Embankments are being built up on either end. | |
| 18 | Cairo Avenue Viaduct | Completed | 216.09 mi (347.76 km) | Viaduct | Dec 20, 2022 | Complete and open to traffic. | |
| 19 | Kings River Viaduct | Under construction | | Viaduct | | Right 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. | |
| 20 | Dover Avenue Overcrossing | Completed | 217.82 mi (350.55 km) | Overcrossing | May 3, 2023 | Dover Avenue Overcrossing opened on May 3, 2023, along with the Idaho Avenue Overcrossing. | |
| 21 | Excelsior Avenue Grade Separation | Under construction | 218.3 mi (351.3 km) | GS | | Bridge deck completed for 5 years. Embankments were started but stopped. Cause of construction unclear, possible utility holdup. Date of construction resuming unknown. | [84] [85] |
| 22 | Elder Avenue Grade Separation | Canceled | | GS | | This Grade Separation has been cancelled and will not be constructed. Elder Ave will be terminated on either side of the high speed rail alignment. | |
| 23 | Flint Avenue Grade Separation | Completed | 220.86 mi (355.44 km) | GS | June 26, 2024 | Complete and open to traffic. | |
| 24 | Fargo Avenue Grade Separation | Completed | 221.88 mi (357.08 km) | GS | January 30, 2025 | Complete and open to traffic. | |
| 25 | Grangeville Boulevard Viaduct | Not yet started | | Viaduct | | Viaduct to carry 2 tracks of High-Speed Rail over Grangeville Boulevard just north of the Hanford Viaduct. Waiting on two powerline relocations. | |
| 26 | Hanford Viaduct | Under construction | | Viaduct | | Abutments 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. | |
| 27 | Hanford Armona Road Grade Separation | Under construction | 224.92 mi (361.97 km) | GS | | Embankments have been built up. Waiting for construction of bridge to begin. | |
| 28 | Houston Avenue Grade Separation | Under construction | 225.96 mi (363.65 km) | GS | | Overpass going above HSR right of way. Dirt moving has begun. | |
| 29 | Iona Avenue Grade Separation | Not yet started | | GS | | Unknown if this structure will actually be constructed. If not, Iona Ave will be terminated on either side of the high speed rail alignment. | |
| 30 | Idaho Avenue Overcrossing | Completed | 227.96 mi (366.87 km) | Overcrossing | May 3, 2023 | Idaho Avenue Overcrossing opened on May 3, 2023, along with the Dover Avenue Overcrossing | |
| 31 | Jackson Avenue Overcrossing | Completed | 228.97 mi (368.49 km) | Overcrossing | Sep 15, 2022 | Bridge was opened to traffic on September 15, 2022, and was the first structure to be completed in Kings County. | |
| 32 | State Route 43 (near Jersey Avenue) Overpass | Under construction | | GS | | High 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. | |
| 33 | Kent Avenue Grade Separation | Completed | 231.18 mi (372.05 km) | GS | Oct 12, 2022 | Structure completed and opened to traffic on October 12, 2022, and was the second structure to be completed in Kings County. | |
| 34 | Kansas Avenue Grade Separation | Completed | 232.21 mi (373.71 km) | GS | Nov 2, 2023 | | |
| 35 | Lansing Avenue Underpass | Not yet started | | Culvert | | Box culvert-style agricultural underpass. | |
| 36 | Cross Creek Viaduct | Under construction | | Viaduct | | Viaduct spanning Cross Creek. | |
| 37 | State Route 43 (south of Cross Creek) Curved Bridge | Under construction | 235.82 mi (379.52 km) | Overpass | | High speed rail crossing under a new elevated structure for SR 43. Road was temporarily realigned in early November 2023. | |
| 38 | Newark Avenue Overpass | Not yet started | | Overpass | | High 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. | |
| 39 | Waukena Avenue Overpass | Under construction | 240.17 mi (386.52 km) | Overpass | | High speed rail crossing over a realigned Waukena Avenue (a/k/a Corcoran Highway). | |
| 40 | Whitley Avenue Overpass | Under construction | 241.16 mi (388.11 km) | Overpass | | High speed rail crossing over Whitley Avenue/SR 137. Construction started in December 2022 and is expected to continue through 2023 and into 2024. Whitley Avenue/SR 137 is being paved as of Jan 3, 2025. Completion is looking like occurring in Jan 2025. | |
| 41 | 156 Avenue Grade Separation | Under construction | 241.16 mi (388.11 km) | Culvert | | High speed rail crossing over 156 Avenue. Construction started sometime in 2024. | |
| 42 | Tule River Viaduct & Pergola | Under construction | 244.79 mi (393.95 km) | Viaduct/Pergola | | Viaduct/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. | |
| 43 | Avenue 136 Grade Separation | Not yet started | | GS | | | |
| 44 | Avenue 120 Grade Separation | Under construction | 248.1 mi (399.3 km) | GS | | Land has started being cleared on both sides. | |
| 45 | Avenue 88 Grade Separation | Under construction | 252.90 mi (407.00 km) | GS | | Embankments and abutments complete. Bridge deck has been complete for several months, awaiting paving of embankment ramps. | |
| 46 | Deer Creek Viaduct | Under construction | | Viaduct | | Viaduct spanning Deer Creek and adjacent wetlands to the south. | |
| 47 | West Isle Line Railroad Grade Separation | Under construction | | Railway GS | | High speed rail to cross over freight rail track on an overhead structure. | |
| 48 | Alpaugh Irrigation Pond | Under construction | | Causeway | | High speed rail to bisect Alpaugh Pond via a causeway. | |
| 49 | Avenue 56 Grade Separation | Under construction | 257.16 mi (413.86 km) | GS | | Embankments have begun being built up, power line and temporary road relocations are complete. | |
| 50 | Avenue 24 Grade Separation | Under construction | 261.17 mi (420.31 km) | Culvert | | Box 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 22 miles (35 km), 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.$^{:30}$ Groundbreaking for the railhead was held outside of Bakersfield on January 6, 2025, in a ceremony marking the substantive completion of CP 4 and the beginning of laying track.
As of June 2024, all 11 structures were complete; out of 22 miles of guideway, 21 were complete, and the remaining one was under construction.
| # | Project | Status | Milepost | Type | Date of completion | Notes |
| 1 | Garces Highway Viaduct | Completed | 266.50 mi (428.89 km) | Viaduct | Jan 27, 2021 | Bridge allowing High Speed Rail to pass over Garces Highway |
| 2 | Semitropic WSD Canal Relocation | Completed | | Culvert | Dec 5, 2023 | Culvert 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. |
| 3 | Pond Road Viaduct | Completed | 270.00 mi (434.52 km) | Viaduct | May 10, 2023 | |
| 4 | Peterson Road Bridge | Completed | 271.20 mi (436.45 km) | Grade Separation (GS) | May 10, 2023 | |
| 5 | Sherwood Canal Culvert | Completed | | Culvert | Spring 2022 | Culvert for Canal to cross under High Speed Rail embankment. Completed sometime prior to Spring 2022. |
| 6 | Poso Creek Viaduct | Completed | | Viaduct | Oct 28, 2020 | 240 ft (73 m) length |
| 7 | NKWSD Canal #9-22 Relocation | Under construction | | Culvert | | North Kern Water Storage District (NKWSD) Canal #9-22 relocation. Only remaining project to be completed in CP4. |
| 8 | McCombs Road Grade Separation | Completed | 277.30 mi (446.27 km) | GS | Jul 18, 2023 | McCombs Road crossing over High Speed rail, BNSF tracks, and SR 43. |
| 9 | SR 46 Underpass | Completed | | Underpass | | Rebuilt underpass enabling SR 46 to pass under High Speed Rail and BNSF tracks. |
| 10 | Wasco Pedestrian Underpass | Completed | | Underpass | | Box culvert underpass enabling pedestrians to cross under High Speed Rail for access to Wasco AMTRAK Station along adjacent BNSF tracks. |
| 11 | Poso Avenue Underpass | Completed | | Underpass | Aug 3, 2023 | New 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. |
| 12 | Wasco Viaduct | Completed | 280.40 mi (451.26 km) | Viaduct/Pergola | | Major construction is complete as of March 2024. Some minor work remains that is likely to be completed in the coming months. |
| 13 | Kimberlina Viaduct | Completed | 281.40 mi (452.87 km) | Viaduct | | Viaduct for High Speed Rail to pass over Kimberlina Road. |
| 14 | Merced Avenue Grade Separation | Completed | | GS | Aug 9, 2023 | Roadway 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. 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 |
| Merced | 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 | ... |
| Madera | Initial planning & design | Located North of Ave. 12 in Madera | CHSRA is responsible, along with the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) | ... |
| Fresno Historic Depot | 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 | ... |
| Kings-Tulare Regional | Initial planning & design | Located near the intersection of State Routes 198 and 43 | CHSRA is responsible | ... |
| Bakersfield | 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:
"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."