California’s high-speed rail finally finished building its first massive 150-acre hub — paving the way for track-laying after $135B and 18 years

The Golden State’s long-delayed high-speed rail project has completed construction on a massive 150-acre railhead facility in Kern County — a key logistical milestone that will allow track-laying to begin, according to a report.

The railhead — located just south of Wasco — will serve as a central hub for materials and equipment needed to build the state’s future high-speed rail line, Secret Los Angeles reported.

The site is designed to streamline delivery of essential components such a steel rails, concrete ties and electrical infrastructure needed for trains expected to reach speeds of up to 220 mph.

The facility includes six rail connections feeding into the yard, allowing materials and machinery to be transported efficiently between active construction zones.A control office coordinates rail traffic and operation, alongside a maintenance yard, workshop and warehouse storing supplies including crushed rock, fiber optic cable and electrical wiring, according to the report.

Officials say the site also includes roughly 10 miles of temporary rail lines connected to the national freight network, enabling large-scale shipments of materials without relying solely on trucks.

With the railhead now operational, crews are expected to begin delivering materials needed to start laying track later this year — a significant step forward for the beleaguered infrastructure project, per Secret Los Angeles.

Another railhead facility is planned further north near Fresno as construction continues to expand across the Central Valley.

Project plagued by delays and soaring costs

The milestone comes as the controversial rail project continues to face scrutiny over its ballooning price tag and repeated delays.

Earlier this year, officials approved a settlement added $537 million to project costs to resolve contractor delay claims.

Meanwhile, the estimated total cost of the San Francisco-to-Los Angeles system has climbed to roughly $135 billion, far exceeding early projections when voters first approved the project in 2008.

Lawmakers have also criticized efforts they say would limit public visibility into project details, with critics blasting a proposed measure as an attempt to shield information about spending and construction challenges.

Originally envisioned as an 800-mile system connecting major population centers across California, the project has faced years of legal challenges, funding disputes and construction setbacks. contributing to mounting costs and shifting timelines.

Despite the criticism, state officials have pointed to ongoing construction progress in the Central Valley as evidence the project is moving forward, with track installation expected to begin as additional infrastructure comes online.

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