KERN COUNTY – California's high-speed rail project has officially entered a new phase, advancing closer to the start of passenger service.

Governor Gavin Newsom joined California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri, local officials, and workers near Bakersfield to break ground on the railhead, marking the first step in laying track. During the event, Newsom, Choudri, and local leaders celebrated the completion of Construction Package 4 (CP 4), which represents the southernmost segment of the initial operating line.

“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,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

In the past year, the high-speed rail project has seen significant advancements, including historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, the completion of environmental reviews for 463 miles from Los Angeles to the Bay Area, and the completion of Caltrain electrification. The project is on track to offer passenger service between 2030 and 2033, furthering Governor Newsom's "build more, faster" agenda focused on infrastructure upgrades and job creation.

“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,” said Ian Choudri, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. “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.”

Railhead Launches Track-Laying Work

‍The railhead, essential for track-laying and overhead contact systems work, is now under construction. It is a freight yard designed to receive materials and stage the upcoming track-laying tasks. This preparation includes subgrade work to ready the site for ballast, ties, and rails.

171 Miles of Rail in Development

‍Construction Package 4 (CP 4), a 22-mile stretch from Wasco’s Poplar Avenue to the Kern/Tulare County line, is the segment being highlighted today. This section includes 11 civil structures, such as overpasses and viaducts, to accommodate high-speed trains over roads, waterways, and existing rail lines. With major civil works completed, this section is nearly ready for track-laying.

CP 4 has created over 3,200 good-paying jobs, benefiting Central Valley residents, particularly in Kern County, thanks to strong partnerships with California State Building Trades.

In the Central Valley, more than 25 active construction sites are currently underway.

“High-Speed Rail represents a transformative opportunity for Fresno. It’s not just about getting people where they need to go faster—it’s about connecting our community to the broader state and driving economic growth that will revitalize our downtown and beyond,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “This project is a bridge between the Bay Area, Southern California, and our vibrant Central Valley, creating new possibilities for our residents and businesses. Today, I’m proud to celebrate a significant milestone. This achievement reflects years of hard work and vision, and I’m eager to see the progress we will make in the next two years as we continue to shape Fresno’s future.”

Creating a Western High-Speed Rail Network

‍The California High-Speed Rail Authority is coordinating with Brightline West and the High Desert Corridor on design and operational issues to develop an interoperable high-speed rail system that will eventually connect the Southwest U.S. region. The partnership will connect California’s high-speed rail project with Brightline West’s planned Las Vegas to Southern California service. Once completed, this interconnected network will enable Californians to travel seamlessly from Northern California to Southern California, and to Las Vegas.