California will begin laying track for its high-speed rail project after a lengthy development process that began in 2008, according to Governor Gavin Newsom.
Newsweek contacted the California High-Speed Rail Authority for more information on this story via email.
Why It Matters
California's high-speed rail project has taken a lot of time and money to get to this point. Originally approved by voters in a 2008 ballot initiative, the track aims to connect California's two biggest cities, Los Angeles and San Fransisco, via Central Valley, linking with several other smaller areas that have historically not benefited from transport infrastructure.
The project has been delayed several times and required additional funding from the federal government in 2019, prompting then-President Donald Trump to brand it a "waste" and a "green disaster."
The start on track laying represents a major step towards completion.
What to Know
On January 6, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that state authorities were ready to start laying track on the state's high-speed rail project, starting with the railhead project in Kern County.
Newsom said that officials were "finally at the point where we can start laying track over the next couple of years," after work clearing the way between San Fransisco and Los Angeles was completed. He also said that the state was just months away from making "early commitments on trainsets."
California has spent over $5 billion on the project since its inception, with expansions to include Central Valley cities like Bakersfield and Merced adding to costs and planning.
However, Newsom said that the gap created was "not a gap we cannot close," arguing that "we've substantially funded this project."
What Is California's High-Speed Rail Project?
The California high-speed rail project is the largest plan of its kind in the U.S. currently underway.
Phase 1 of the project will link San Francisco in the north to Anaheim via Los Angeles, while plans to extend the line will connect Sacramento to San Diego in phase 2. Services are expected to start between 2030 and 2033.
The route to San Fransisco from Los Angeles, a distance of 463 miles, was fully cleared in the runup to 2025, allowing construction on phase 1 to step up production.
What People Are Saying
Speaking in Kern County at the launch event, California Governor Gavin Newsom said: "No state in America is closer to launching high-speed rail than California – and today, we just took a massive step forward. We're moving into the track-laying phase, completing structures for key segments, and laying the groundwork for a high-speed rail network.
"The future of transportation is being realized right here in the Central Valley with thousands of good paying jobs already created and 171 miles being worked on. As only California can, we're building America's biggest infrastructure project."
Ian Choudri, California High-Speed Rail Authority's CEO, said at the same event: "Today we're recognizing the system's progress and looking ahead as we advance important partnerships and track work that moves us closer to operations while putting Californians to work.
"We're committed to working collaboratively and ultimately developing a modern, interstate high-speed rail network that will not only boost ridership in the Southwest part of the country but bring to the forefront the possibility of delivering high-speed rail benefits sooner."
What Happens Next
In 2025, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is planning to begin construction on stations in the Central Valley. It also expects to select a manufacturer for the trains.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
English (US) ·