VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A new agreement between the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency is expected to strengthen planning efforts for the proposed high-speed rail connection between Victor Valley and Palmdale, a key link that would connect the High Desert to California’s future statewide electrified rail network.

According to a written statement from the California High-Speed Rail Authority, the agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 20 to coordinate environmental clearances, station integration and project design, with a particular focus on Palmdale Station, where the High Desert Corridor would connect with California’s statewide high-speed rail system.

The agreement also calls for the agencies to coordinate construction activities and materials purchases in an effort to reduce public costs and accelerate project delivery. Officials noted the MOU is a planning and coordination agreement and does not authorize construction.

“As we prepare to begin track, electrification and systems installation in the Central Valley later this year, this new partnership underscores the momentum behind building a clean, modern transportation system that will serve Californians for generations,” Authority CEO Ian Choudri said in the written statement.

The High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency is comprised of Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster in Los Angeles County, and the cities of Adelanto and Victorville in San Bernardino County. The agency leads development of the High Desert Multipurpose Corridor, including the first phase of the planned high-speed intercity rail connection between Palmdale and Victor Valley.

HDC JPA Chair and Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger said the agreement represents an important step toward expanding rail connectivity across the state.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is a pivotal step toward a fully connected, electrified high speed rail network across California. By coordinating planning, design and station integration at Palmdale, we’re laying the groundwork for clean, modern mobility that will better link Southern California to the statewide system. This collaboration reflects our commitment to sustainable growth, reduced congestion and equitable benefits for our communities,” Barger said.

The proposed High Desert Corridor would span approximately 54 miles between Palmdale and Victor Valley. Current plans call for a dedicated double-track passenger rail line capable of speeds up to 180 mph with grade-separated crossings over highways, local roads and desert washes.

Once completed, the corridor would provide Victor Valley passengers with a direct connection to California’s statewide high-speed rail system at Palmdale while linking with Brightline West service to Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas.

Project officials said the High Desert Corridor remains in the federal environmental review process, with a Record of Decision expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Future work includes preliminary engineering, geotechnical investigations and utility coordination.

Construction continues on California’s statewide high-speed rail system, with major segments between Merced and Bakersfield under design and construction. According to the Authority, nearly 90 miles of guideway have been completed along with 61 major structures, while another 30 structures remain under construction across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

The Authority also reported that 463 of the planned 494-mile Phase 1 system connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim has received full environmental clearance and is construction-ready.

Since construction began, the project has created nearly 19,200 jobs, most of them filled by Central Valley residents, and generated nearly $27 billion in economic impact statewide. Officials said up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.

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