CA High Speed Rail Costs Jump Again

Sonora, CA — The projected cost to build California’s bullet train through the Central Valley is up another $1.8-billion.

That’s according to a report being submitted to the California legislature today. California Governor Gavin Newsom halted long-term efforts to eventually have the train run from Los Angeles to San Francisco, but vowed to finish the current operating system that’s under construction between Merced and Bakersfield. The total cost of the 171-mile section is now estimated to be $20.4-billion.

The increased costs are related to land acquisitions and relocating utilities. There is a wide estimate as to when the project will be completed, as it is expected to be sometime between 2026 and 2030.