Construction of California High-Speed Rail

The California High-Speed Rail system is being constructed by the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The project is expected to span about and will be completed in two phases:

Phase 1 runs from the San Francisco Bay Area in northern California to 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.
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 Early Operating Segment in the Central Valley. The EOS is intended to be a self-contained and financially self-sustaining high-speed rail system, improving on and replacing the existing Amtrak Gold Runner service between Merced and Bakersfield. 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.
To deliver operational segments of high-speed rail, the Authority must seek environmental clearance, followed by design and civil construction, then track and systems installation, and static and dynamic testing.

Section	Corridor type	Environmental clearance	Funding	Civil construction	Track & systems
San Francisco to San Jose	Blended	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="1"	data-sort-value="1"	data-sort-value="1"
San Jose to Gilroy	Blended	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"
Gilroy to Madera		data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"
Merced Extension	Dedicated high-speed right-of-way	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="3"	data-sort-value="3"	data-sort-value="0"
Madera to Fresno	Dedicated high-speed right-of-way	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="5"	data-sort-value="4"	data-sort-value="0"
Fresno to Tulare/Kern	Dedicated high-speed right-of-way	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="5"	data-sort-value="4"	data-sort-value="0"
Tulare/Kern to Poplar Ave	Dedicated high-speed right-of-way	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="5"	data-sort-value="5"	data-sort-value="0"
Poplar Ave to Bakersfield	Dedicated high-speed right-of-way	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="4"	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="0"
Bakersfield to Palmdale	Dedicated high-speed right-of-way	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"
Palmdale to Burbank	Dedicated high-speed right-of-way	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"
Burbank to Los Angeles	Blended	data-sort-value="2"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"
Los Angeles to Anaheim	Blended	data-sort-value="1"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"	data-sort-value="0"

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.
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.
On November 26, 2025, the Authority Board of Directors officially opened a request for proposals for tracking and systems procurement for the entire Central Valley IOS from the Merced Extension to downtown Bakersfield.

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 would be completed – – Merced to Bakersfield.
By 2022: Initial Operating Section would be completed – – Merced to Burbank
By 2027: Bay to Basin would be completed – – San Jose & Merced to Burbank
By 2029: Phase 1 Blended would be completed – – 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. Five "construction packages" were initially planned for this section. With the Design-Build contractual system the Authority was using, the contractor would be responsible for the final construction design elements, following the guidelines and specifications of the contract. The intent of this was to minimize last minute design change orders arising during the construction process.
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.
In September 2012, the Obama administration gave California's high-speed rail project the green light to streamline the permitting process for the 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 that its approval of the HSR project in August "categorically preexempts" lawsuits filed under the California Environmental Quality Act. 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 and LeighFisher. 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 of high-speed right-of-way with a design speed of. These 119 miles are constructed by three different consortia, split into so-called "construction packages ": [|CP 1], [|CP 2-3], and CP 4. The full "initial operating segment " in the Central Valley will stretch, 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 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 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 segment. This section was estimated to cost $400–500 million. In January 2016 the apparent best value bid of $347.5 million was received from California Rail Builders. 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 to a length of 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 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 was awarded to Stantec Consulting Services Inc., for approximately 33.9 mi. with 40 structures. The Shafter to Bakersfield extension design contract 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. 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 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 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 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 is proceeding, and is expected to be completed in late 2024.
A "bookend" investment in the "Link US" project 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
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

Current status

Central Valley Segment (CVS)

, construction is primarily taking place on the Central Valley Segment, a section of the Early Operating Segment from Madera to Poplar Avenue totalling 92 structures and of guideway., 52 of its structures are complete, 32 are underway, and 8 are not yet started; 69 miles of guideway are complete, 27 are underway, and 23 are not yet started. Out of 2,294 needed parcels, 2,274 have been delivered, and 20 are outstanding.
The CVS has been divided into three construction packages: CP 1, CP 2-3, and CP 4.

Madera to Fresno (CP 1)

Construction Package 1 comprises between Avenue 19, north of Madera, and East American Avenue, south of Fresno. It includes 12 grade separations, two viaducts, one tunnel, the San Joaquin River Viaduct, and the realignment of State Route 99. The contractor is the joint venture of Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons, with whom the design–build contract was signed August 16, 2013. A Notice to Proceed was given on October 15, 2013, and groundbreaking was on January 6, 2015, in Fresno.
, out of 33 structures, 18 were complete, 11 were under construction, and 4 had not yet begun construction; out of 32 miles of guideway, 11 were complete, 10 were under construction, and 11 had not yet begun construction. Two additional structures were completed in May 2025, making 20 complete structures.
Substantial completion is expected by the end of 2026.

#	Project	Distance	Status	Completion	Notes
1	Road 26 GS		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2025	long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks., the overpass is near completion with the bridge deck completed and railings being installed; embankments are currently being paved while sidewalks are being poured.
	Schmidt Creek Bridge		data-sort-value="3"		Over Schmidt Creek., construction appears complete; deck and barriers have been poured.
2	Road 27 GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks.
3	Avenue 17 GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks.
4	Fresno River Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		long; over Raymond Rd, Fresno River, and SR 145. First construction project started in CP 1 and the CAHSR system establishing on June 16, 2015, and first structure completed in Madera County.
5	Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks.
6	Avenue 15 GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks.
7	Cottonwood Creek Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		long; over Cottonwood Creek.
8	Avenue 12 HSR Overhead		data-sort-value="3"		long; over HSR alignment and local access road.
9	Avenue 12 BNSF Overhead		data-sort-value="3"		Over BNSF tracks east of HSR alignment.
10	Avenue 11 GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
11	Avenue 10 GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
12	Avenue 9 GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
	Private agricultural underpass		data-sort-value="3"		Box culvert-style agricultural underpass under HSR alignment for private farm road.
13	Avenue 8 Overpass		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
14	Avenue 7 GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
15	San Joaquin River Viaduct & Pergola		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over San Joaquin River via a long arch span and UP tracks via a long pergola.
16	Herndon Avenue HSR Underpass		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2026	Under HSR alignment and UP tracks., work is in progress for the bypass; a shoofly for the UP tracks is mostly complete between the HSR alignment and the current UP alignment with much of the rail now in place awaiting for a crossing at the Herndon bypass and to be connected to the UP main line at both ends; further works for the bypass and project are currently waiting for UP's completion of the shoofly and bypass railroad crossing.
17	Herndon Avenue UPRR Underpass		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2026	Under HSR alignment and UP tracks., work is in progress for the bypass; a shoofly for the UP tracks is mostly complete between the HSR alignment and the current UP alignment with much of the rail now in place awaiting for a crossing at the Herndon bypass and to be connected to the UP main line at both ends; further works for the bypass and project are currently waiting for UP's completion of the shoofly and bypass railroad crossing.
	Golden State Boulevard Realignment		data-sort-value="2"		Road between Herndon Ave and Ashlan Ave being realigned west, allowing space for HSR alignment between new roadway and UP tracks., earthworks are being done and sidewalks are being constructed mainly between Shaw Ave and Ashlan Ave with most of the curbs for the road are now completed; asphalt paving is in progress with half of the work between near Shaw and Ashlan completed; north of Veterans Blvd, only part of the new Golden State Blvd is constructed while area near Herndon Ave work has not begun yet while the Herndon underpass is being constructed, however, the roadway is closed to traffic with almost all of the old road having been demolished; a new canal/trench has been constructed in the area.
18	Veterans Boulevard Project		data-sort-value="3"		HSR portion of wider project consists of a long, wide two-span overpass over Golden State Blvd, HSR alignment, and UP tracks. Associated SR 99 interchange opened on Nov 20, 2023.
19	Shaw Avenue GS		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2026	Over Golden State Blvd, HSR alignment, and UP tracks., the bypass north of the bridge construction area is opened to traffic with all traces of the old road and railroad crossing now removed; framework for the western abutment walls is currently being erected; the eastern abutment's foundation is completed and construction for its framework for walls is in progress; the western bridge bent is completed and ready for girders while the eastern bent is having its cap being constructed.
	State Route 99 Realignment		data-sort-value="3"		Portions of highway between Ashlan Ave and Clinton Ave shifted west to make space for HSR alignment.
20	McKinley Avenue GS		data-sort-value="2"	Q1 2026	long, wide; over Golden State Blvd, HSR alignment, UP tracks, and Weber Ave., the western abutment for embankment has been completed and earthworks to fill up to the embankment appears to be completed; the eastern abutment is completed and awaiting its earthworks to it; the westmost bent is completed with all of the girders put in place on it and the western abutment, and deck work construction is in progress; columns for the eastmost bent are completed and its bent cap is currently being constructed with some rebars have now been tied; work for the center bridge bent has not begun yet.
	Motel Drive Realignment		data-sort-value="2"		Road between south of Clinton Ave and Olive Ave being realigned west, allowing space for HSR alignment between new roadway and UP tracks., right of way largely cleared; utility relocations periodically taking place; most of the sidewalks have been constructed with some roadway paved; works closer Olive have not begun yet.
21	Olive Avenue GS		data-sort-value="2"	Q2 2026	Over HSR alignment, UP tracks, and Weber Ave., utilities are being relocated; most of land has been cleared on either end north of the current roadway for likely a future temporary bypass.
22	Belmont Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over Wesley Ave, HSR alignment, UP tracks, and Weber Ave.
23	Fresno Trench & State Route 180 Passageway		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2026	About long, deep; under a rail spur, an irrigation canal, and SR 180., the walls, floor, and lid for the tunnel are completed; work for the slope of the trench from the north side are in progress with some concrete being pour for portions of the slope, however, not much progress yet from the south side of the trench; old Belmont Ave trench has been removed with unused portions currently being backfilled to make way for extending the Fresno Trench; utility relocation work in the area is almost complete; Westwide Wye has been moved back to original spot and the temporary shoofly has been removed; intrusion protection barriers are being erected between the trench and UP tracks.
	Stanislaus Street Bridge		data-sort-value="1"		Existing structure to be removed due to inadequate vertical clearance for HSR.
24	Tuolumne Street Bridge		data-sort-value="3"		long; over G St, HSR alignment, and UP tracks. Rebuilding of previous bridge to increase clearance and widen walkways and bike paths. First structure to be completed in Fresno County, CP 1, and CAHSR system.
25	Fresno Street Underpass		data-sort-value="1"	Q2 2026	Lengthening and renovation of underpass under HSR alignment and UP tracks.
26	Tulare Street Underpass		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide, deep; under G St, HSR alignment, and UP tracks.
27	Cesar Chavez Underpass		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2025	long, wide; under G St, HSR alignment, and UP tracks., all retaining walls and median barriers are completed; the HSR bridge appears to be completed; deck work for the UP bridge is in progress; groundworks behind some of the walls and at the edges of the bridge decks are in progress; asphalt is currently being paved for the roadway; sidewalks and streetlights within the underpass are being constructed.
	State Route 41 Freeway		data-sort-value="1"		Minor modifications to two existing structures carrying SR 41 over HSR alignment.
28	Church Avenue GS		data-sort-value="2"	Q1 2026	long, wide; over HSR alignment and UP tracks. long, wide; over BNSF and SJVR tracks., the westernmost abutment is completed with retaining walls just about completed and groundwork filled up in the embankment; the bridge bent between the HSR alignment and UP tracks is completed and ready for girders; the middle "island" abutments are currently being constructed with the western abutment's walls completed and the eastern abutment's walls are having its frames being erected for preparation for its pour; not much work has progressed yet of the easternmost embankment.
29	Jensen Trench		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2026	long; under Jensen Ave. Routing between west embankment and 1st westernmost bridge bent to provide clearance for HSR alignment under road's pre-existing bridge., groundwork for the trench is currently in progress mostly on the north side; a concrete form for the northern beginning of the trench has been built; excavation of the slope of the trench is in progress with some sections of it having concrete poured for the floors of it.
	Golden State Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		Over Golden State Blvd.
30	Cedar Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over North Ave, Cedar Ave, and SR 99.
31	Muscat Avenue Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		Over Muscat Ave. Connecting between Cedar Viaduct and ground level.
	Property access viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		Short section allowing a property access road to run underneath.
32	Central Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks.
33	American Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks. Allowance for additional track to access the HSR Heavy Maintenance Facility/Fresno Railhead.

Fresno to Tulare/Kern (CP 2-3)

Construction Package 2-3 comprises from East American Avenue, south of Fresno, to 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/Flatiron, with whom the design–build contract was signed June 10, 2015. A Notice to Proceed was given on July 25, 2015, and groundbreaking took place in August 2018.
, out of 48 structures, 23 were complete, 21 were under construction, and 4 had not yet begun construction; out of 65 miles of guideway, 37 were complete, 16 were under construction, and 12 had not yet begun construction.
Substantial completion is expected by the end of 2026.

#	Project	Distance	Status	Completion	Notes
1	Lincoln Avenue GS		data-sort-value="0"		This grade separation has been cancelled and will not be constructed. Lincoln Ave will be terminated on either side of the HSR alignment.
2	Adams Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks.
3	South Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks.
4	BNSF Track Realignment		data-sort-value="2"		BNSF tracks realigned east allowing space for HSR alignment between South Ave and the Conejo Viaduct., the new realigned tracks have been installed and are in service; tracks that were directly in the HSR alignment are now fully removed with only a few sections of the old track remaining to be removed; groundworks are in progress of the new HSR alignment with much of the ROW ground being built up for the alignment and protection berms.
5	Manning Avenue Overcrossing		data-sort-value="2"	Q1 2026	long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks., both embankments to the overpass are nearly complete; piers are completed and girders have been installed on top of them; deck work has begun.
6	Floral Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks.
7	Nebraska Avenue GS		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2026	long; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks., the western embankment is complete with abutment work in progress while the eastern embankment nearly complete; most of the bridge piers are completed with the other piers currently having their caps being constructed; girders are being placed across the finished piers.
8	Mountain View Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment and BNSF tracks.
9	Conejo Viaduct & Pergola		data-sort-value="2"	Q3 2025	long, wide; over Conejo Ave and BNSF tracks via a pergola., all girders have been placed and embankments are completed; bridge deck and barriers on the pergola section appear complete while deck work is ongoing on the viaduct sections.
10	Peach Avenue Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		long, up to wide; over Peach Ave.
11	Elkhorn Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
12	Fowler Avenue Overcrossing		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
13	Davis Avenue Overcrossing		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
14	State Route 43 Tied Arch Bridge		data-sort-value="2"	Q3 2025	long, wide; over SR 43., bridge deck is complete and concrete pour for the arches appear to be completed as well; final works on the bridge are in progress.
15	Cole Slough Viaduct		data-sort-value="2"	Q2 2026	Over Cole Slough., abutment and pier works are completed; all tub girders have been installed and deck work is in progress.
16	Dutch John Cut Bridge		data-sort-value="2"	Q1 2026	long, wide; over Dutch John Cut., abutment and pier works are completed with retaining walls leading up to the abutments being constructed; all tub girders have been installed and deck work is in progress.
17	9th Avenue Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		Over 9th Ave. Bridge is now completed. Embankment appears to be finished.
18	Cairo Avenue Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over Cairo Ave.
19	Kings River Bridge		data-sort-value="2"	Q2 2025	long, wide; over Kings River., construction on abutments, piers, and girders are completed; bridge deck is currently being constructed.
20	Dover Avenue Overcrossing		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
21	Excelsior Avenue GS		data-sort-value="2"		Over HSR alignment. Bridge deck completed for 5 years. Embankments were started but stopped. Cause of the construction delay is unknown, possible utility holdup., work has finally resumed for the overpass with embankment works almost completed and ready for road paving.
22	Elder Avenue GS		data-sort-value="0"		This grade separation has been cancelled and will not be constructed. Elder Ave will be terminated on either side of HSR alignment.
23	Flint Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
24	Fargo Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
25	Grangeville Boulevard Viaduct		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2026	Over Grangeville Blvd., utility relocations are completed and embankment works are currently being constructed; pits have been excavated out for what could be for foundations for the viaduct piers.
26	Hanford Viaduct		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2025	long; over San Joaquin Valley Railroad tracks and SR 198. ; all abutments, bridge piers, and girders have been constructed; the southern embankment is completed while the northern embankment has not started yet; rebar & barrier construction is in progress; preparations for deck work over the SJVR portion of the viaduct is in progress with one bridge bent cap needing concrete to be poured for the whole portion to be fully ready for deck work.
27	Hanford Armona Road GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
28	Houston Avenue GS		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2026	Over HSR alignment., groundworks have started.
29	Iona Avenue GS		data-sort-value="0"		According to CAHSR supplemental update, structure not listed in CP 2-3 so appears to be cancelled. Iona Ave will most likely be terminated on either side of HSR alignment.
30	Idaho Avenue Overcrossing		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
31	Jackson Avenue Overcrossing		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment. First structure to be completed in Kings County.
32	State Route 43 Bridge at Jersey Avenue		data-sort-value="2"	Q1 2026	Over HSR alignment. High speed rail will pass through a closed Jersey Ave and under SR 43 which will be rebuilt on an elevated structure. Road was temporarily realigned to the west in mid-November 2023., embankments and bridge piers are complete; tub girders have been put into place as deck work on top of them is currently being constructed.
33	Kent Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
34	Kansas Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment.
35	Lansing Avenue Underpass		data-sort-value="2"	Q3 2025	Box culvert-style agricultural underpass under HSR alignment., culvert appears to be nearly completed with some more rebar for walls to the west of it being erected and groundwork around it and the roadway being constructed.
36	Cross Creek Viaduct		data-sort-value="2"	Q2 2025	long, wide; over Cross Creek., deck work is completed; work on the barriers are in progress with about half of the work done.
37	State Route 43 Curved Bridge		data-sort-value="2"	Q2 2026	long, wide; over HSR alignment. Road was temporarily realigned in early November 2023., embankments are completed and work on bridge bents are currently being constructed; bridge bents including a straddle bent over the alignment have been constructed; framework for the bridge deck is being prepared.
38	Newark Avenue Overpass		data-sort-value="0"		This grade separation most likely has been cancelled and will not be constructed. Newark Ave will likely be terminated on either side of HSR alignment. West of HSR alignment, a new Niles Ave access road to Newark has been constructed; east of HSR alignment, Niles will likely be realigned north to parallel alignment to connect with Ave for east Newark access.
39	Waukena Avenue Overpass		data-sort-value="2"	Q3 2026	Over a realigned Waukena Ave., all the bridge piers and their girders appear to be completed awaiting for deck works while embankment works are currently being constructed.
40	Whitley Avenue Underpass		data-sort-value="3"		wide, deep; under HSR alignment.
41	156 Avenue Underpass		data-sort-value="3"		Box culvert agricultural underpass under high speed rail alignment. Structure completed in October 2025 as of CAHSR December update report.
42	Tule River Viaduct & Pergola		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2025	long; over Ave 144, SR 43, BNSF tracks, and Tule River via a pergola. SR 43 was temporarily realigned., the pergola section of the project appears completed with its frameworks for it being removed; deck work for the viaduct sections are currently being constructed; retaining wall work on the southern embankment appears completed waiting for ground works for the embankment.
43	Avenue 136 GS		data-sort-value="2"	Q3 2025	Over Ave 136. Retaining walls for embankments are currently being constructed.
44	Avenue 120 GS		data-sort-value="2"	Q3 2026	Over HSR alignment, BNSF tracks, and SR 43., embankments appear to be near completion. After embankments are finished, construction of bridge will begin.
45	Lakeland Bridge		data-sort-value="2"	Q1 2026	long, wide; over existing waterway., columns for bridge bents and embankments are almost complete with bent caps beginning to be constructed on some bents.
46	Avenue 88 GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment, BNSF tracks, and SR 43.
47	Deer Creek Viaduct		data-sort-value="2"	Q4 2025	long, wide; over Deer Creek and adjacent wetlands to the south., all girders have been placed and deck work is in progress with much of it completed on the southern end; barriers are being erected on the portions with completed deck work.
48	Stoil Spur Railroad GS		data-sort-value="2"	Q1 2026	Over freight rail track., abutments are currently being constructed with columns for the bridge bents now erected awaiting for their caps.
49	Alpaugh Bridge		data-sort-value="2"	Q1 2026	Over part of Alpaugh Pond., embankment works and columns for bridge bents are currently being constructed.
50	Avenue 56 GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment. First structure to be completed in Tulare County.
51	Avenue 44 Agricultural Crossing		data-sort-value="2"		Small box culvert-style agricultural underpass under HSR alignment., structure looks just about complete with embankment works needed to be constructed.
52	Avenue 24 GS		data-sort-value="2"		Box culvert-style agricultural underpass under HSR alignment. Utility relocations are complete., structure appears to be completed while embankments are being constructed.

Tulare/Kern to Poplar Ave (CP 4)

Construction Package 4 comprises from north of the Tulare/Kern border to Poplar Avenue, northwest of Shafter. It includes at-grade embankments, retained-fill overcrossings, viaducts, aerial sections of the high-speed rail alignment, and the relocation of four miles of existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks. The contractor is California Rail Builders, a joint venture of Ferrovial and Griffith Company, with whom the design–build contract was signed February 29, 2016. A Notice to Proceed was given on April 15, 2016.
Substantial completion was achieved in 2024., all 11 structures were complete; out of 21.2 miles of guideway, 21.1 were complete, and the remaining 0.1 was under construction. The only remaining component is a single canal relocation.
Groundbreaking for the railhead was held outside of Bakersfield on January 6, 2025, marking the beginning of laying track.

#	Project	Distance	Status	Completion	Notes
1	Garces Highway Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; carrying alignment over Garces Highway. First project started in CP 4.
2	Pond Road Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over Pond Rd/Ave.
3	Peterson Road Bridge		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over Peterson Rd.
4	Poso Creek Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over Poso Creek. First structure completed in Kern County and in CP 4.
5	McCombs Road GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over HSR alignment, BNSF tracks, and SR 43.
6	State Route 46 Underpass		data-sort-value="3"		Rebuilt underpass; under HSR alignment and BNSF tracks.
7	Wasco Pedestrian Underpass		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; box culvert underpass for pedestrians to cross under HSR alignment to access Wasco Amtrak station along adjacent BNSF tracks.
8	Poso Avenue Underpass		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; under HSR alignment, BNSF tracks, and Wasco Ave.
9	Wasco Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		long; over BNSF tracks via a pergola.
10	Kimberlina Viaduct		data-sort-value="3"		long; over Kimberlina Rd.
11	Merced Avenue GS		data-sort-value="3"		long, wide; over SR 43, BNSF tracks, and HSR alignment.

Merced and Bakersfield extensions

The Merced to Madera and Poplar Ave to Bakersfield segments are under design, with completion of mapping and commencement of parcel acquisition targeted by the end of 2025. Design for both extensions is funded, and construction for the Bakersfield extension is funded from Poplar Ave to approximately Bakersfield Airport.

Northern and Southern California

"Bookend" investments in Northern and Southern California are underway to improve existing rail lines and prepare for the arrival of high-speed rail service. In the Bay Area, the Authority provided partial funding for the Caltrain Modernization Program, electrifying and adding positive train control to Caltrain commuter rail service; revenue service on electric trainsets began in 2024. In Los Angeles, the Authority is contributing funds for the Link Union Station project, expanding capacity at Los Angeles Union Station.

Station construction details

Five stations are planned for the Initial Operating Segment. 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 there will be 5 stations. These stations are discussed in the on pages 12–15. The report also has a timeline that shows station construction is anticipated to commence in mid-2026, and finish in mid-2029.

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	...
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 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."