CHSRA to issue RfQ for $US 2.4bn civil works contract

California prepares for future expansion of its high-speed rail network using PPPs.

The 61st structure on the Central Valley section was completed in May.

Photo Credit: CHSRA

CALIFORNIA High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) plans to issue a Request for Qualifications (RfQ) for a civil works collaborative design build contract shortly for the Madera - Merced section of the high-speed railway under construction in the Central Valley. The contract is valued at $US 2.4bn.

“Two teams will be shortlisted by the end of 2026, with early collaboration beginning shortly thereafter,” CHSRA says. “Major construction on this new segment is anticipated from late 2027 through to 2030.”

CHSRA says 275km is currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. More than 129km of trackbed are complete, along with 61 fully completed major structures and 30 more structures underway.

PPPs

CHSRA has executed a Co-Development Agreement (CDA) with Momentum Alliance Partners, a consortium of high-speed rail, infrastructure and investment firms to help it finance and build future sections of high-speed lines through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and develop infrastructure commercialisation opportunities, such as broadband and fibre networks, data infrastructure, utility and transmission corridors, station area development, and strategic land use partnerships.

Momentum Alliance Partners includes Arup, CDPQ Infra, Jacobs, Keolis, the passenger division of French National Railways (SNCF), Plenary Americas, Sener, Setec, Steer and Systra.

The partnership will start an initial six-month predevelopment and delivery evaluation phase focused on identifying strategies to accelerate future expansion beyond the Merced - Bakersfield section. The consortium will evaluate infrastructure sequencing, delivery models, financing strategies, operational concepts and opportunities for private sector participation for future expansion.

“As construction advances and we prepare to begin high-speed rail track installation this year, partnerships like this allow us to evaluate how private-sector expertise, financing and delivery models could help accelerate system expansion,” says CHSRA’s CEO, Ian Choudri.

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