About $3 billion and 119 miles of track construction is underway or under contract on California’s planned high-speed rail, which, ultimately, is proposed to stretch between Sacramento and San Diego. Construction Package 1, the first major construction contract for the first phase of the California High-Speed Rail Program, is a 32-mile stretch between Madera County and Fresno County. It includes 12 grade separations, two viaducts, one trench and a major river crossing over the San Joaquin River. Precast, prestressed concrete girders used for the project are up to 198 ft long. The design-build team of Tutor-Perini/Zachry/Parsons is approximately 55% complete with its $1-billion contract, says Steven Milton, design and construction manager for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. A significant feature of the alignment will be a concrete staggered-arch structure that will rise over the San Joaquin River and State Route 99. Major challenges include extensive utility relocations, working alongside an active freight railroad and completing rights-of-way acquisitions. Completion of CP1 is currently slated for 2019.
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