In the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2024 Economic Impact Analysis Report substantial benefits to the state were highlighted that underscore the high-speed rail project’s role in stimulating economic growth.

This growth comes as work continues to build the first high-speed rail system in the United States.

Projected Economic Growth

Ninety-nine percent of the project’s 2023-24 fiscal year expenditures have gone to California businesses and workers, with two out of every three dollars going to disadvantaged communities to drive economic activity in those areas.

The Authority estimates that the project has created approximately 109,000 job-years of employment, which is equal to more than $8 billion in total labor income earned and nearly $22 billion in total economic activity.

Upon completing the 171-mile Merced to Bakersfield initial passenger service it is estimated that existing trip times will be cut in half, and more trips will be made. This will result in a total of 333,000 job-years of employment and total economic activity of $70.3 billion.

Looking to the completion of the 494-mile Phase 1 System between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim via the underway Central Valley Section, estimates show the creation of 1,034,000 job-years of employment and $221.8 billion in economic activity.

This analysis is updated annually and currently reflects data as of June 2024.

The full report can be found here.

Construction Progress

Currently there are 171 miles of the high-speed rail project under construction from Merced to Bakersfield. More than 60 miles of guideway has been completed and 50 of the 93 structures needed are complete with 25 more under construction between Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties.

The beginning of a railhead project in Kern County was announced earlier this month that includes the installation of temporary freight tracks that will help transport materials to build the future electrified, high-speed rail tracks.

The railhead construction is a major step n the track and systems process and marks the beginning of the next phase of the program. The railhead was made possible due to the completion of Construction Package 4 which comprised of 22 miles and 11 structures.

Since the start of high-speed rail construction, more than 14,500 construction jobs have been created, mostly going to Central Valley residents.

Environmental clearance on 463 miles of the high-speed rail program from the Bay Area to downtown Los Angeles has been given.