California Construction News staff writer
California officials are again turning to the private sector as they look for ways to speed up construction of the state’s long-delayed high-speed rail project and reduce future costs.< The California High-Speed Rail Authority said Dec. 19 it began a procurement process to select a private partner to help develop and finance parts of the project, with a target of choosing a partner by summer 2026. The effort is aimed at evaluating whether private investment and commercial development could accelerate delivery of the nation’s first high-speed rail system. The authority estimates the project has created nearly 16,400 jobs since construction began, with up to 1,700 workers on job sites each day, most of them Central Valley residents. Under the request for qualifications, potential partners would assess opportunities to invest in and generate revenue from project assets, including station facilities, track access, fiber and power infrastructure, and real estate. The authority said the approach could also introduce alternative construction and delivery strategies. Authority CEO Ian Choudri said the agency has seen increasing interest from private investors and developers and wants to formalize that interest through a competitive process. The solicitation follows a request for expressions of interest issued in June 2025, which drew feedback from companies on possible public-private partnership models. It also comes a month after the authority invited bids for work to install electrified track and rail systems. The high-speed rail project has faced years of delays, cost overruns and political scrutiny since voters approved initial funding in 2008. Construction is currently focused in the Central Valley, where 171 miles between Merced and Bakersfield are under design and construction. About 80 miles of guideway have been completed, along with about 60 major structures, while more than 30 additional structures are under construction in Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties. State officials say 463 miles of the planned 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system have completed environmental review and are ready for construction. More information on the procurement is available on the authority’s website.
