Merced–Madera extension procurement has advanced after the California High-Speed Rail Authority cleared the next procurement stage for a major civil works contract covering the section.

Aerial view of the Road 26 Grade Separation in Madera County
Official project image of the Road 26 Grade Separation in Madera County. Photo: California High-Speed Rail Authority / BuildHSR

The Authority’s Board of Directors has authorised the release of a Request for Qualifications⁠ for a collaborative design-build contract on the Merced to Madera section. The package covers grading, structures and roadway improvements, and forms part of the plan to extend the high-speed rail route north from the existing construction programme.

Merced–Madera extension procurement timeline

Under the collaborative design-build model, shortlisted contractors will work with the project team during the design phase. The process is intended to refine proposals, reduce construction risks and give greater certainty on cost and schedule before the final contract is awarded.

The RFQ is expected to be issued in summer 2026. The California High-Speed Rail Authority plans to shortlist two bidding teams by the end of the year, with early collaboration to begin soon afterwards. Major construction on the section is expected between late 2027 and 2030, and the contract is valued at approximately 2.4 billion USD.

Authority CEO Ian Choudri said:

“With this action, we’re accelerating the work needed to bring clean, electrified high-speed rail to more of the people of California – starting with Merced. Delivering an operating Central Valley segment is a key step toward ultimately connecting California’s major population centers in the north and south. As we prepare to begin track installation later this year and launch the next phase of construction, Californians will begin to see the system take shape. By advancing this link and pursuing new clean energy public-private partnership opportunities, we’re building momentum and strengthening the long-term financial sustainability of high-speed rail.”

Cal CLEAN Partnership Agreement

The procurement decision was accompanied by a Board update on the Cal CLEAN Partnership Agreement⁠, a proposed public-private partnership focused on securing clean electricity for future railway operations.

Under the proposal, a private-sector partner would carry out a six-month assessment at no cost to the Authority. The review would identify opportunities for renewable energy generation, infrastructure commercialisation and measures to improve energy resilience before any future development agreements are considered.

The initiative is intended to support the Authority’s statutory objective of operating the railway without requiring ongoing taxpayer subsidy. It also complements the recently announced co-development agreement with Momentum Alliance Partners LLC, which is examining options to accelerate delivery and increase private-sector participation in the programme.

Statements of Qualifications for the clean energy partnership are expected this summer. The Authority aims to identify a preferred partner in August 2026 and begin the initial project identification phase in September.

California high-speed rail construction status

Construction activity is continuing across the wider California High-Speed Rail programme. A total of 171 miles between Merced and Bakersfield⁠ is currently under design or construction. More than 80 miles of guideway have been completed, alongside 61 major structures, while another 30 structures are under construction across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

The Merced to Madera civil works package covers about 30.3 miles of new high-speed rail guideway, extending from just south of Mission Avenue in Merced to the interface with Construction Package 1 in Madera County. The Authority describes the corridor as a major civil works component of the Central Valley programme.

This places the procurement within the wider Central Valley build-out. Construction already spans 119 miles across Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Kern counties, while the Authority plans to extend that segment into Merced and Bakersfield as the 171-mile Merced–Bakersfield line. Testing of the initial electrified high-speed rail line is planned to begin in 2028.

Environmental clearance has now been completed for 463 miles of the planned 494-mile route linking San Francisco with Los Angeles and Anaheim.