rail

California High-Speed Rail Authority Taps Consortium for 119-Mile Electrification Project

The California High-Speed Rail Authority's Board has selected a joint venture of Kiewit, Stacy Witbeck, and Herzog to construct electrified track and systems across 119 miles of Central Valley guideway extending toward future Merced and Bakersfield extensions. The Track and Systems Construction contract encompasses installation of train control and communications infrastructure, overhead contact systems, and rail capable of speeds reaching 220 mph. Work will proceed in phases as civil construction completes in each segment. A newly finished southern railhead facility in Kern County will serve as the staging and distribution hub for receiving rail, concrete ties, ballast, and other long-lead materials. The contract emerged from a competitive procurement process launched in November 2025 and includes three commitments: 25% small business participation, 3% micro business participation, and 3% disabled veteran business enterprise goals.