The California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency (HDC JPA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding that will deepen coordination on environmental clearances, station integration, and design with the goal of reducing costs and accelerating delivery.
“As we prepare to begin track, electrification and systems installation in the Central Valley later this year, this new partnership underscores the momentum behind building a clean, modern transportation system that will serve Californians for generations,” Authority CEO Ian Choudri said.
The memorandum applies particularly at Palmdale Station, and costs would be reduced through coordinated materials purchases and construction.
“By coordinating planning, design and station integration at Palmdale, we’re laying the groundwork for clean, modern mobility that will better link Southern California to the statewide system. This collaboration reflects our commitment to sustainable growth, reduced congestion and equitable benefits for our communities,” said Kathryn Barger, HDC JPA Chair, Supervisor, Los Angeles County Fifth District.
Major segments of the high-speed rail project from Merced to Bakersfield are under design and construction with 463 miles of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system environmentally-cleared and construction-ready. Work has been completed on 61 major structures and nearly 90 miles of guideway while work is underway for 30 more structures in Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.
HDC JPA is comprised of Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the cities of Adelanto, Lancaster, Palmdale and Victorville. It also leads the High Desert Multipurpose Corridor that includes the first phase high-speed intercity rail connection between Palmdale and Victor Valley.