THE California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has adopted its Revised Draft 2020 Business Plan, after receiving 250 comments during its 30-day public comment period, which closed on March 12.

The revised plan, slated for final approval last year but repeatedly delayed due to the pandemic, was released for consultation in February 9. The draft confirmed plans to develop the electrified Merced - Fresno - Bakersfield high-speed rail interim service line, while advancing environmental reviews and current investments in local and regional infrastructure projects, according to CHSRA

CHSRA reports that the final plan, which is expected to be submitted to the state legislature on or before April 15, includes a number of priorities:

  • complete the 191km Central Valley construction segment and lay track pursuant to federal funding grant agreements with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • expand the Central Valley segment to 275km of operable electrified high-speed line connecting Merced, Fresno and Bakersfield
  • begin testing trains by 2026-27 and put them into service by the end of the decade
  • “environmentally clear” all segments of the Phase 1 system between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim
  • advance construction on the “bookend” projects, valued at more than $US 3bn, to which CHSRA has committed funding in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, and
  • pursue additional funding opportunities to “prospectively ‘close the gaps’ and expand electrified high-speed rail service to the Bay Area and Los Angeles/Anaheim as soon as possible.”

“The strategy outlined in this plan presents a clear path toward completing construction in the Central Valley,” says CHSRA CEO, Mr Brian Kelly. “We are committed to continued progress as an organisation and look forward to working with our federal, state and local leaders to bring high-speed trains to California within this decade.”