California invites interest for phase two of high-speed line

Companies are being invited to submit their interest in a $2 billion design and build contract for the second stage of California’s planned high-speed railway.

The 60-mile route will from Fresno south to the Tulare-Kern County line near Bakersfield.

Interested parties have until December 6 to register their interest after which point, the California High Speed Rail Authority will draw up a shortlist of potential winners.

Shortlisted companies will then be allowed to submit formal bids next year.

Jeff Morales, chief executive of the California High Speed Rail Authority, said: “The authority is delivering on its voter-mandated mission to build the nation’s first high-speed rail system, which provides economic benefits to the Central Valley and creates thousands of jobs.

“High-speed rail is a critical investment in California’s transportation infrastructure to address population growth, congested roads and airports, and air quality.”