California high-speed rail project receiving $54 million for new station

A high-speed project in central California is getting a big boost thanks to a grant from the federal government. 

The Madera High-Speed rail project is receiving over $54 million to build a high-speed rail station. The grant was made through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program (MEGA). 

The project will use the funding to construct a high-speed rail station for the Merced-Bakersfield California High-Speed Rail Interim Service. The relocation effort is being led by the San Joaquin Joint Power Authority (SJJPA) in partnership with the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), Madera County, Madera County Transportation Commission and the City of Madera. 

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This relocated Madera Amtrak Station will be situated off Avenue 12, a primary transit corridor for Madera County, and looks to support increased ridership and transit-oriented development. The new location will also allow for improved connectivity and accessibility for both automobiles and transit. 

The new station is also being designed and environmentally cleared to handle future high-speed rail operations. 

MCTC says improvements at the relocated station will include new platforms, trackwork, an overhead contact system, a bus depot, expanded auto parking, an access roadway network, a multi-use path and a station building. 

The existing station has limited use, MCTC says, with no transit connections and poor access to SR-99. It’s also expected to see little growth in transportation and employment demand, according to officials. 

The relocated station is expected to be ready for Amtrak service by mid-2025. High-speed rail operations are expected to be up and running between 2030 and 2033. 

In addition to the Madera High-Speed Rail Project, the DOT is awarding over $166 million to the INNOVATE 680 Program to convert a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on northbound I-680 in Contra Costa County into an express lane. 

Photo courtesy Pedro Xing