California High Speed Rail’s budget gap could grow to $10.2 billion for Bakersfield-to-Merced line

Project leaders have been focused on completing the 171-mile Bakersfield to Merced line, which was expected to cost taxpayers an estimated $35.3 billion with a completion date sometime between 2030 and 2033, according to the California High Speed Rail Project’s 2024 business plan.

Consultants have now been informed and documents obtained by KCRA 3 show the Bakersfield to Merced project estimate could now grow by up to another $3.2 billion, reaching a total of $38.5 billion. In the project update report, project leaders pointed to inflation and the rising cost of certain materials, such as concrete and copper as some of the reasons for the possible increases. A spokesperson for the High-Speed Rail Authority confirmed the information.