New footage of California's high-speed rail project has revealed how much progress has been made.
In footage shown to Newsweek by the Californian High-Speed Rail Authority, large stretches of cleared area can be seen in Kern County, where construction on a railhead will mark the beginning of a new phase in the project.
Why It Matters
California's high-speed rail project is the largest of its kind in the U.S., but it has suffered from several delays and a ballooning budget. This year marks the first time that the project is ready to "finally" begin laying track, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
What To Know
In footage shown to Newsweek, the California High-Speed Rail Authority highlighted large stretches of underpass and routes ready to have track put down. Paths between Los Angeles and San Francisco have been fully cleared.
A key part of the Central Valley route is connecting smaller urban areas that have historically not benefitted from infrastructure to the larger cities in California. As a result, the route will include stops in Bakersfield and Merced, connecting them to two of the most important economic and cultural areas in the state.
The project remains politically contentious, with critics questioning its costs and viability. One of California's representatives in Congress, Kevin Kiley, filed legislation to prevent further federal funding from going toward construction, describing it as a "disastrous project" was "robbing taxpayers."
What People Are Saying
The Californian High-Speed Rail Authority told Newsweek: "Initial track work is estimated to begin by spring 2025, with installation of mainline turnouts, work that includes laying a siding track, a parallel track that allows BNSF trains to pull off the mainline and out of the way of the work.
"The Authority will be issuing a request for proposals to procure a contract for Track and Overhead Contact System (OCS) construction and expects to award a contract by fourth quarter 2025."
California Governor Gavin Newsom, at the Kern County launch event: "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."
What Happens Next
Initial track work is set to begin this year, according to the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
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