As the California high-speed rail project gathers pace, British and British-linked companies have been quick to move in.

WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff will work on a seven-year, $700 million rail delivery partner contract awarded by the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Services to be provided include program management, integration, delivery, as well as operations and maintenance planning for this, the first high-speed rail system in the U.S.A.

Network Rail Consulting, the international consultancy arm of Network Rail, has been selected as part Parsons Brinckerhoff’s consultant team. Drawing on its experience with operating and maintaining HS1, Network Rail Consulting will provide specialist advisory services to the Authority, primarily in operations and maintenance, leading up to the start of revenue service.

Gary Griggs, Parsons Brinckerhoff programme director, said: “I am delighted to have Network Rail Consulting as a key member of our team. Their skills and experience in operating high speed rail infrastructure will be invaluable to our delivering a successful network.”

Meanwhile, Jacobs has been awarded a contract to provide design services for the Construction Package 2-3 (CP 2-3), which represents the continuation of construction on the California high-speed rail system south towards Kern County. Jacobs is the lead designer for the Dragados-Flatiron Joint Venture for the design-build contract and is responsible for the infrastructure design. Officials estimate the construction value to be $1.2 billion.