The $126bn+ California high-speed rail project has tapped German-based Vossloh to supply ties from its Colorado plant. Vossloh will manufacture ties at its Pueblo, Colorado plant that will be used to supply California High-Speed Rail. The scope of contract entails 335,000 concrete ties and fastening systems according to the company. Moreover, they are designed to meet the demands of a high-speed rail line.

Once manufactured from the plant, they will be delivered during the third quarter of this year. The construction segment of the project is 119 miles, totaling more than $45 million. Vossloh AG CEO Oliver Schuster said, “The California High-Speed Rail project is a landmark infrastructure initiative in the United States.” He also noted that the firm is proud to be participating in such “first of its kind project in the United States.” Another major project in the US is the Brightline West Las Vegas to Southern California high-speed rail. The US$12 billion project that will feature electric trains departing stations every 45 minutes. The trains connect a Las Vegas station south of the city’s storied Strip and a Southern California station in Rancho Cucamonga.

Scope of Implementation on the California High-speed Rail Project

The California high-speed rail line is the first dedicated line in the United States built specifically for high-speed traffic. It is designed for speeds exceeding 350km/h and also aims to connect the state’s major urban centers. Furthermore, it will provide a fast, reliable, and sustainable transportation alternative. Work on the high-speed rail project continues, with 275 km (171 miles) currently in design and construction between Merced and Bakersfield.

Nearly 129 km of track have already been completed, along with nearly 60 major structures fully built. Furthermore, another 29 structures are under construction in Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties. The project is advancing statewide, with 745 km of the 795 km line between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim having received environmental approvals and being ready for construction.

Since construction began, the project has generated over 16,400 well-paying jobs, most of which have been filled by Central Valley residents. Up to 1,700 workers are on site daily at the high-speed rail construction sites.

Project Factsheet:

• Project Name: California High-Speed Rail
• Location: California, USA (San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim corridor)
• Estimated Investment Value: $126 Billion+
• Project Type: High-speed rail infrastructure

Timeline

• Construction Start: Ongoing (multi-phase development)
• 2026: Major supply contracts underway (ties delivery in Q3)
• Future: Phased completion across statewide network

Site & Scale

• Total Planned Length: ~795 km
• Active Construction Segment: 275 km (Merced to Bakersfield)
• Completed Track: ~129 km
• Design Speed: 350 km/h+
• System Type: First dedicated high-speed rail line in the U.S.

Project Teams

• Client/Owner: California High-Speed Rail Authority
• Supplier: Vossloh AG

Infrastructure Scope

• 335,000 concrete rail ties and fastening systems
• Manufacturing at Pueblo, Colorado facility
• High-speed rail track infrastructure
• Bridges, viaducts, and major civil structures
• Statewide rail corridor development

Strategic Objectives

• Develop first true high-speed rail system in the U.S.
• Connect major California cities
• Also reduce travel time and road congestion
• Provide sustainable, low-emission transport alternative
• Boost regional economic development and job creation

Challenges

• Extremely high project costs and budget overruns
• Complex multi-county construction coordination
• Lengthy environmental and regulatory processes
• Public and also political scrutiny over timelines and funding

Current Status

• Vossloh contracted to deliver rail components (Q3 delivery)
• 275 km under design and construction
• Also 60 major structures completed, 29 under construction
• 745 km environmentally approved for development
• Over 16,400 jobs created with ~1,700 workers on site daily