An AECOM joint venture has been selected by the California High-Speed Rail Authority to provide programme management support for the California High-Speed Rail programme, a first in the nation electrified high-speed rail line that will connect cities across California with frequent train service exceeding 200 miles per hour. 

The AECOM-led joint venture will leverage AECOM’s global high-speed rail and programme management expertise to realize the timely delivery of the programme while supporting the Authority’s bold vision of generating statewide mobility, environmental, social and economic benefits.

“We look forward to working with the Authority to help deliver this important investment that is poised to be one of the most transformative infrastructure programmes in US history,” said Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president. 

“The California High-Speed Rail programme is world-class, epitomizing the positive impacts we’re generating through our Sustainable Legacies strategy. The programme’s foundational environmental and social purpose will help drive sustainable mobility across the state while providing a safer, more reliable option that meets California’s twenty-first-century transportation needs.”

The joint venture is expected to implement an operating model that facilitates the successful delivery of a full array of programme delivery services in support of the Authority, such as programme planning and strategy; environmental and engineering management; infrastructure delivery; supply chain management; and federal and state funding support.

“The Authority is not just advancing a major rail project, but creating a new way of travel in the US that is faster, more convenient and more sustainable,” said Jennifer Aument, chief executive of AECOM’s global transportation business. 

“Driving that change is hard work, and we are committed to working every day to support the Authority in making this transformational program a reality. Our approach is to couple our leading, global expertise in delivering complex high-speed rail programmes with a local team with deep roots in and a strong commitment to California communities.”

The programme is currently under active construction and advanced design in California along 171 miles between the cities of Merced and Bakersfield. To date the project has created more than 9,000 jobs. 

When complete, California High-Speed Rail will connect the 500-mile stretch between the Los Angeles region with the San Francisco Bay Area in less than three hours. 

The high-speed rail system is expected to expand access to job opportunities, contribute to a cleaner environment, reduce traffic and air congestion, improve the state’s transportation system resiliency, and preserve agricultural and protected lands.