As the California High Speed Rail Authority executes multiple contracts for California’s $62.1-billion high-speed-rail line, crews are making headway on the initial 100 miles of track. The efforts comprise a scaled-back initial plan of operation, between San Jose and north of Bakersfield, which could begin carrying passengers by 2025.

Construction commenced last summer on the $985-million Package 1 to build 29 miles of track in Madera and Fresno counties. After about two years of preconstruction, design-build joint venture Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons (TPZP) began work on the Fresno River Viaduct in June. The structure is just one of 52 overpasses to be built in the rail line’s first three construction packages.