CHSRA, Partners Kick Off Railhead Project

Authority CEO Choudri, Governor Newsom, and community leaders kick off the Railhead Project.

Courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority

KERN COUNTY, Calif. - The California High-Speed Rail Authority kicked off its Railhead Project in Kern County.

Along with Governor Gavin Newsom, CHSRA CEO Ian Choudri and community leaders commemorated “the first steps in the track and systems construction process,” according to the release. This is due to the completion of Construction Package 4 (CP 4), “the southernmost segment of high-speed rail construction in California’s Central Valley.” CP 4 is a 22-mile stretch between Poplar Avenue in Wasco and just south of the Tulare/Kern County line. The Authority has been working with Brightline West and the High-Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency work to collaborate on protocols and standards for interoperability that allow passengers to ride from Las Vegas to Southern California and back.

The Railhead Project is necessary so the Authority can receive materials needed to construct temporary freight tracks. These temporary tracks allow for the delivery of major equipment, “such as track laying machines, track ties, traction power and Overhead Contact Systems (OCS).” The project starts with subgrade preparation to prepare the site for laying ballast, ties, and rail. The Authority says it will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to procure a contract for Track and OCS construction this year.

Authority CEO Choudri said, “Today, we’re recognizing the system’s progress and looking ahead as we advance important partnerships and track work that moves us closer to operations while putting Californians to work. We’re committed to working collaboratively and ultimately developing a modern, interstate high-speed rail network that will not only boost ridership in the Southwest part of the country but bring to the forefront the possibility of delivering high-speed rail benefits sooner.”

Governor Newsom said, “No state in America is closer to launching high-speed rail than California – and today, we just took a massive step forward. We’re moving into the track-laying phase, completing structures for key segments, and laying the groundwork for a high-speed rail network. The future of transportation is being realized right here in the Central Valley with thousands of good paying jobs already created and 171 miles being worked on. As only California can, we’re building America’s biggest infrastructure project.”