Invitations to bid on provisions for the high-speed rail track and other system components have been approved by the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Board of Directors.
The materials will be used to install the nation’s first electrified high-speed track and systems by 2026, officials said. The procurement procedure approvals are a milestone in accelerating track and systems construction, the authority said.
“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,” Ian Choudri, Authority CEO, said. “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.”
The approvals open the door for American manufacturers to bid in six procurements as the authority nears completion of its railhead project in Kern County. Officials said once that project is complete, it will allow freight trains to receive and deploy materials directly to the point of installation along the 119-mile alignment.
The materials needed to lay the track will be fully funded by California and will include rail ties, overhead contact system poles, fiber optic cable, and EN ballast for a total approved cost of $507 million. The components have lead times ranging from six to 12 months, officials said. As part of the requirements for the project, all of the goods will need to be newly manufactured and compliant with the Build America, Buy America Act.