HNTB to oversee next phase of California high-speed rail construction

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) board awarded HNTB Corp. a contract to provide design and construction oversight for the next 22 miles of construction in the Central Valley.

Known as Construction Package 4, this phase of the project extends the route through the valley beginning near the Tulare-Kern County line and continuing south to Shafter, Calif.

As part of the contract, HNTB will work with the agency and the design-build contractor to identify, manage and mitigate project risks and ensure that technical and contract requirements are met, CHSRA officials said in a press release.

Conceptual rendering of a California high-speed train.
Photo: California High-Speed Rail Authority Flickr account

"The experience that HNTB will provide to this project will bring us even closer to delivering safe and reliable high-speed rail to Californians," said CHSRA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Morales, adding that the agency has more than 100 miles of high-speed rail construction under contract.

Specific project and construction management duties include oversight of inspection and testing of high-speed rail infrastructure, as well as technical and environmental compliance including hazmat oversight, utility relocation, construction safety and public outreach.

Under the contract, HNTB could receive up to $30 million based on work performed over a period five years, CHSRA officials said.