Credit: CA. HSR
Industry to be invited to bid on rail, other materials needed to lay electrified high-speed track and system
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors approved proceeding with procurements to purchase high-speed rail materials, a major milestone to accelerate track and systems construction, slated to begin in the next year.
August 28, 2025 - SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Board of Directors today approved the issuance of invitations for bids for the provision of high-speed rail track and other required system components. These materials will be used to install the nation’s first electrified high-speed track and systems within the next year.
“Purchasing the track and materials needed to launch the nation’s first high-speed track and systems installation within the next year is a major milestone. This procurement will not only accelerate construction of high-speed track, but by purchasing directly from American manufacturers, we will deliver significant savings to the state. California High-Speed Rail is the only high-speed rail system under construction in North America. Today, we are taking concrete actions to build faster, smarter, and more economically to deliver a modern, high-speed rail system that promotes economic mobility, affordable housing, and a cleaner environment throughout the state,” said Ian Choudri, Authority CEO
Procurement of High-Speed Rail Materials
Materials needed to lay track along the 119-mile segment will be 100% state funded and include several commodities, including rail, ties, overhead contact system poles, fiber optic cable, and EN ballast, with a total approved cost of $507 million spread over multiple anticipated contract awards. These components are necessary for high-speed rail installation and operations, with lead times ranging from 6 to 12 months.
For each materials contract, a Notice to Proceed (NTP) will be issued in multiple stages, including:
- NTP 1: supply of materials for use in the 119-mile section (Madera to Poplar Avenue). NTP 1 is 100% state funded.
- NTP 2 & 3 are optional, with the Authority able to later approve purchase of additional materials for future extensions. NTP 2 & 3 may be a blend of state and federal funding.
All materials will be newly manufactured goods and compliant with the Buy America and the Build America, Buy America Act. Invitation for bids are scheduled to begin on or after August 2025.
For more information on the procurement, including anticipated schedule, visit: https://hsr.ca.gov/business-opportunities/procurements/architectural-engineering-and-capital-contracts/procurement-of-high-speed-rail-materials/
High-Speed Rail Progress
Work continues daily on the high-speed rail project, with 171 miles currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. Nearly 70 miles of guideway are complete, along with 57 structures, with 29 more underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties.
The project continues to advance statewide, with 463 miles of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system fully environmentally cleared and construction ready.
Since construction began, the project has created over 15,800 good-paying jobs—most filled by Central Valley residents. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.
For the latest on high-speed rail construction, visit www.buildhsr.comExternal Link.
Source: CA. High Speed Rail
