California High-Speed Rail Authority highlights construction progress in spring update as feds threaten $4 billion grant cut

California Construction News staff writer

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) released its Spring 2025 Construction Update last Monday (June 9), showcasing continued progress on the nation’s first 220 mph high-speed rail system, now taking shape in the Central Valley.

The authority released its statement as the Trump administration asserted that it is in “default” of the terms of two federal grants totalling $4 billion. The CHSRA has up to 37 days from June 4 to respond, after which the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) says the grants for the California high-speed project could be terminated.

The 310-page report contains nine key findings including missed deadlines, budget shortfalls and over-representation of projected ridership. In a letter to CHSRA CEO, Ian Choudri, FRA notes that its report identified a trail of project delays, mismanagement, waste, and skyrocketing costs.

“The project has received approximately $US 6.9bn in federal dollars in roughly 15 years but has not laid a single high-speed track,” USDOT says. “Even with continued federal support, the project is far short of the funding needed to finish just a fraction of the track.”

In response, CHSRA says it strongly disagrees with the FRA’s conclusions, which it says “are misguided and do not reflect the substantial progress made to deliver high-speed rail in California,” International Railway Journal (IRJ) has reported.

Since breaking ground, the project has created more than 15,000 construction jobs, with 97% filled by California residents and 70% by Central Valley workers. Roughly 1,600 workers are on-site daily across active construction zones.

Key construction milestones include the railhead facility in Kern County, which will serve as a base for equipment and materials to lay track. The facility will connect to the BNSF freight rail network to help accelerate installation.

A new video highlights construction progress.

Among the major highlights is the Hanford Viaduct, the project’s largest construction site, where crews recently placed the final 112 girders over the San Joaquin Valley Railroad. Work is also advancing on the State Route 43 Tied Arch Bridge, where falsework is being erected in preparation for construction of the bridge’s signature arches.

Other active sites featured in the update include the Avenue 17 and Road 26 grade separations in Madera County, and the Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Tulare Street underpasses in Fresno.

Construction is underway on a 171-mile segment from Merced to Bakersfield. Of the 93 planned structures along the initial 119-mile stretch through Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties, 54 are complete and another 30 are currently under construction. More than 60 miles of guideway has been finished.

The high-speed rail project is being built in phases and will eventually connect major cities across the state. When complete, the system is expected to significantly reduce travel times and greenhouse gas emissions by offering a fast, all-electric alternative to highway and air travel.