Geotechnical work underway for California’s high-speed railway

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Workers study the rocks in Pacheco Pass. Credit: California High-Speed Rail Authority.
Workers study the rocks in Pacheco Pass. Credit: California High-Speed Rail Authority.
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Geotechnical work has begun in Pacheco Pass, Santa Clara, as California moves ahead with planning for the United States’ first high-speed railway.

As part of the 84 mile San Jose to Merced section of the project, workers from the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHRSA) and its contractor Kleinfelder have started studying rocks at depths of up to 1,000ft along State Route 152.

The process will help CHRSA learn about the ground conditions and rock properties where high-speed tunnels are planned. It is expected to take three to five months.

The team is also installing groundwater monitoring equipment.


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CHSRA engineering manager Randy Anderson said: “If this goes out to bid we will have data available for the bidders so they can evaluate the conditions that the tunnel will be going through.”

The San Jose to Merced section is part of the first phase of the California high-speed railway, linking Silicon Valley and the Central Valley.

Elsewhere crews have also been busy working on supporting viaduct and overpass structures in the state.

Watch the video below to find out more about the San Jose to Merced section.


Read more: Arup to conduct study for new Boston rail link


 

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