The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s August 2026 CEO Report has outlined progress on construction and procurement, while highlighting continued funding and project delivery challenges.
In his report to the Authority’s Board of Directors, CEO Ian Choudri noted that the first half of 2026 had included several milestones for the programme, which is currently focused on the Central Valley section between Merced and Bakersfield.
65 of the 92 structures required for the current construction programme have been completed, while 89 miles of guideway have been finished out of 119 miles currently under construction.
The programme has also moved towards its next stage of railway infrastructure delivery. The Authority has signed a contract with Kiewit, Stacy Witbeck and Herzog, covering the installation of high-speed track, overhead contact systems, train control systems and associated railway infrastructure.
The contractor is currently mobilising ahead of planned track installation by the end of 2026. The systems and infrastructure will be required for future testing and operations.
Private-Sector Involvement
Choudri’s report also highlighted the Authority’s appointment of Momentum Alliance Partners as its Co-Development Partner.
The organisation will examine commercial, technical and financial options for the next phase of the programme, including potential opportunities to use private-sector expertise, investment and delivery models across areas such as design, construction, systems integration, finance, operations and maintenance.
The Authority is considering these options as it seeks to accelerate funding for an operating high-speed rail segment between Merced and Bakersfield, which it is targeting for 2033.
Funding Challenges
The CEO report also acknowledged continued funding pressures. In 2025, California established a dedicated funding source through its Cap-and-Invest programme, providing 1 billion USD annually for the high-speed rail programme through 2045.
The Authority is now exploring private-sector financing options alongside existing funding sources. Choudri said changes to Senate Bill 198 would be required to enable the type of public-private partnership being considered by the Authority.
The report identified third-party utility relocation as another issue affecting the programme, with the Authority continuing to address costs and construction delays associated with utility work.
Preparing for Operations
The Authority is adding senior personnel as the programme moves towards testing and eventual operations.
Marilyn “Grace” Norris has joined as Chief of Safety and Security, while Antonio Buelna has taken up the role of Chief of Infrastructure Maintenance.
Carsten Puls has also joined the Authority as Strategic Initiatives Lead. He brings experience from the international high-speed rail sector and will support preparations for future train testing and operational readiness, which the Authority expects to take place between 2029 and 2033.
Meanwhile, the Authority has adopted a revised contracting approach to help deliver operations.
Five companies have received task orders under the Authority’s Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), which is intended to provide greater flexibility for delivering smaller elements of the programme.
The Authority is also progressing an Architectural & Engineering Services Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (A&E IDIQ) contract. Its minor pools are expected to be completed in autumn 2026, providing the Authority with more rapid access to engineering expertise.
The CEO report presents the Merced-Bakersfield section as a continuing priority, while the Authority works through construction, financing, procurement and operational planning for the wider California High-Speed Rail programme.
