The California High-Speed Rail Authority has approved the next stage of procurement for a major construction contract covering the Merced to Madera extension.
The Authority’s Board of Directors has authorised the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a collaborative design-build civil works contract, which will cover grading, structures and roadway improvements along the Merced to Madera section. The procurement forms part of plans to extend the high-speed rail network northwards from the existing construction programme.
The collaborative design-build approach will allow shortlisted contractors to work alongside the project team during the design phase to refine proposals, reduce construction risks and improve cost and schedule certainty before a final contract is awarded.
The RFQ is expected to be issued during summer 2026. Two bidding teams are due to be shortlisted by the end of the year, with early collaboration beginning shortly afterwards. Major construction on the section is expected to take place between late 2027 and 2030. The contract is valued at approximately 2.4 billion USD.
Authority CEO Ian Choudri said:With this action, we’re accelerating the work needed to bring clean, electrified high-speed rail to more of the people of California – starting with Merced. Delivering an operating Central Valley segment is a key step toward ultimately connecting California’s major population centers in the north and south. As we prepare to begin track installation later this year and launch the next phase of construction, Californians will begin to see the system take shape. By advancing this link and pursuing new clean energy public-private partnership opportunities, we’re building momentum and strengthening the long-term financial sustainability of high-speed rail.
Alongside the procurement announcement, the Board received an update on the Cal CLEAN Partnership Agreement, a proposed public-private partnership focused on securing clean electricity for future railway operations.
Under the proposal, a selected private-sector partner would undertake a six-month assessment, at no cost to the Authority, to identify opportunities for renewable energy generation, infrastructure commercialisation and measures to improve energy resilience before any future development agreements are considered.
The initiative is intended to support the Authority’s statutory objective of operating the railway without requiring ongoing taxpayer subsidy. It also complements the recently announced co-development agreement with Momentum Alliance Partners LLC, which is examining options to accelerate delivery and increase private-sector participation in the programme.
Statements of Qualifications for the clean energy partnership are expected this summer, with the Authority aiming to identify a preferred partner in August 2026 and begin the initial project identification phase in September.
Construction activity continues across the wider California High-Speed Rail programme, with 171 miles currently under design or construction between Merced and Bakersfield. More than 80 miles of guideway have been completed, alongside 61 major structures, while a further 30 structures are under construction across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.
Environmental clearance has now been completed for 463 miles of the planned 494-mile route linking San Francisco with Los Angeles and Anaheim.
