California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation giving the California High-Speed Rail Authority new powers to manage third-party development within its rights-of-way.
Senate Bill 1425, introduced by Senator Dave Cortese, was signed on 27 September. The legislation establishes a permitting framework for encroachments on the Authority’s rights-of-way, allowing it to regulate activities and infrastructure that could otherwise affect the high-speed rail corridor.
The legislation addresses a gap in existing California law. While the Authority already has powers relating to its property, including arrangements for relocating existing infrastructure, it did not previously have a standardised statutory process for permitting new third-party encroachments within its rights-of-way.
Under SB 1425, the Authority can establish regulations governing encroachments and issue permits for third-party access. The legislation also sets out enforcement provisions for unauthorised encroachments and damage to the high-speed rail system or its right-of-way.
The measure had previously cleared the California Legislature and was sent to the Governor in August. Cortese said the new law would provide greater certainty for local governments, utilities, businesses and residents working alongside the high-speed rail corridor.
The new law comes as the California High-Speed Rail Authority moves into a new stage of project delivery.
Construction is currently active across 119 miles of the Central Valley, while more than 60 structures have been completed and more than 80 miles of guideway are in place. The Authority is developing the Merced-to-Bakersfield section as the initial operating segment of the wider system.
In June, the Authority approved an American-led consortium of Kiewit, Stacy Witbeck and Herzog to install track, overhead contact systems, train control and communications infrastructure. The contract covers the 119 miles currently under construction and connects with planned extensions towards Merced and Bakersfield.
Track installation is scheduled to begin in 2026. The Authority’s 2026 Business Plan targets completion of the Merced-Bakersfield early operating segment in 2032–33.
What the New Permitting Powers Mean
The permitting provisions are intended to provide a formal route for infrastructure and development activity within the high-speed rail corridor.
The legislation’s supporters have highlighted potential applications including utilities, broadband and water infrastructure. The Senate Judiciary Committee’s analysis noted that the proposed system was modelled in part on permitting arrangements used by Caltrans and the State Water Project.
The measure changes how the Authority can manage its existing and future right-of-way as development takes place around the railway.
Robert Pearsall, California Political Director for U.S. High Speed Rail said:We thank the Governor for supporting this measure to cut red tape at a critical time for the high-speed rail project. Granting the Authority the ability to issue encroachment permits under SB 1425 will enable appropriate third-party use of its right-of-way, support critical utility infrastructure needed by local communities, and create new opportunities for local businesses and economic growth throughout the region.
The Authority says it has acquired 99% of the properties needed for its current construction programme. The project is planned to eventually form part of a 494-mile Phase 1 system connecting San Francisco with Los Angeles/Anaheim. 463 miles of that proposed system have been environmentally cleared and are described by the Authority as construction-ready.
The new law therefore adds another regulatory tool as California moves from major civil works towards track, electrification and railway systems installation on the Central Valley segment.
