High-speed rail board OKs $1.36B contract for second phase

SACRAMENTO – The board that oversees California's high-speed rail project has approved a $1.36 billion contract to design and build the second phase of the rail line in the Central Valley.

The board on Tuesday awarded the contract to a joint venture by three companies: Dragados USA Inc., Flatiron West Inc., and Shimmick Construction Company Inc.

It includes $1.2 billion to design and build the 60-mile segment from Fresno to north of Bakersfield and $160 million for Pacific Gas & Electric to relocate existing gas and electricity lines there.

The joint venture beat two other bidders, including Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons, which is building the first 28-mile leg from Madera to Fresno.

Gov. Jerry Brown was among the dignitaries who attended a ceremonial ground-breaking for the $68 billion project last week in Fresno.