First four California high-speed rail Central Valley stations to be designed by Foster + Partners and Arup JV

California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has selected Foster + Partners and Arup to design the Merced, Fresno, Kings/Tulare and Bakersfield stations as part of the initial 171-mile Central Valley segment of the high-speed rail project. The companies will collaborate on the planning, architecture and engineering of the first four Central Valley stations. The stations will then serve as models for stations planned along the entire 500-mile Los Angeles/Anaheim to San Francisco system.

The team is utilizing its local knowledge combined with its global high-speed rail station experience while adapting a systemwide kit of parts previously created by Foster + Partners to design the four Central Valley stations. The joint venture will be providing management and design services as part of the first Notice to Proceed (NTP 1) to complete the design development and configuration footprint for each station site, with an option to progress to the second Notice to Proceed (NTP 2), which will include final design, construction ready documents, construction and commissioning support.

The duration for NTP 1 is estimated to be 30 months.

The joint venture is set to exceed the Authority’s Small Business participation goals by engaging a team of diverse, local experts and subcontractors throughout all essential parts of the design development for the new stations.

“California High-Speed Rail is a truly pioneering project which has the potential to shape the future of sustainable travel in California and across America. After delivering our systemwide vision plan, we are now delighted to be working with Arup on detailed designs for the network’s first four stations," said Stefan Behling, head of studio, Foster + Partners.

“Once complete, this segment of high-speed rail will provide much-needed linkages between the diverse communities that comprise California’s Central Valley. We’re thrilled to utilize our global expertise in high-speed rail design to support the California High-Speed Rail Authority. We look forward to collaborating with Foster + Partners and our subconsultants on this landmark investment in sustainable transportation," said John Eddy, principal, Arup.

California High-Speed Rail is under construction in the Central Valley today with a goal of having the first operable line slated to be complete between 2030 and 2033.