The California High-Speed Rail Authority has selected the consortium that will deliver one of the most significant contracts within the United States’ high-speed rail project, valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion. 
The decision marks the transition of the scheme from major civil engineering works to the installation of railway infrastructure and systems required for train operations.
The selected consortium comprises the American companies Kiewit, Stacey Witbeck and Herzog, which will install the track, overhead contact system, signalling infrastructure, train control systems and communications equipment for what is set to become the first true high-speed rail system in the United States.
The contract will transform the 191 km of infrastructure already built in California’s Central Valley into an electrified railway capable of supporting train speeds of up to 354 km/h.
“Bringing on board the team that will build the railway track and systems marks the moment this programme moves from major civil works to delivering an operational railway. With the logistics facility now completed and many critical materials already under contract, we are accelerating the installation of the first true high-speed rail line ever built in the Western Hemisphere in a way that is both rapid and cost-effective for California,” said Ian Choudri, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.
Project enters railway installation phase
The Board’s decision follows the completion of the rail logistics hub in Kern County, which will serve as the main reception and distribution centre for rails and other materials required for construction.
The track and systems contract covers the 191 km currently under construction in the Central Valley and will later be extended to the future sections towards Merced and Bakersfield. The phased structure of the contract allows work to begin as soon as each civil engineering section is completed.
The procurement process was launched in November 2025, while the Authority has already directly purchased long-lead materials, including rails, concrete sleepers and ballast, in order to accelerate project delivery.
The contract also includes targets for the participation of small and disadvantaged businesses, with a 25% goal for small firms, including 3% for microbusinesses, and a further 3% for businesses owned by disabled veterans.
The California high-speed rail project currently has 275 km in various stages of design and construction between Merced and Bakersfield. More than 129 km of infrastructure have already been completed, while 60 major structures have been fully built.
Across the entire San Francisco–Los Angeles/Anaheim corridor, 745 km of the planned 795 km route have received all necessary environmental approvals and are ready for construction.
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