Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
CA High-Speed Rail Authority (CAHSRA)

New Video Shows Future CA High-Speed Rail Connection to Southern California

Four-minute CA High-Speed Rail Authority video explains Palmdale to Burbank alignment, plus connection from Burbank into downtown L.A. Union Station

Screengrab from a video on the project expansion by CAHSR.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority just released a video showing how the state's under-construction high-speed rail project is planned to connect into Burbank and Los Angeles. The four-minute video is focused on the Palmdale to Burbank project section; it also includes how trains will get from Burbank into L.A. Union Station, featuring visualizations of future Union Station run-through tracks.

CAHSRA approved its Palmdale to Burbank alignment plan in June. This 38-mile stretch was the final section approved for future operations between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Map of CA High-Speed Rail Authority Palmdale to Burbank section - via approved Environmental Impact Report

After studying several possible alignments, CAHSRA decided on a "refined SR-14" alternative, which roughly follows Highway 14 south of Palmdale. Getting through the San Gabriel Mountains was never going to easy or cheap. The alternative selected includes four major tunnels - two of them more than a dozen miles long - and several elevated viaduct structures in North L.A. County.

Watch the CAHSRA video to get informed about the future high-speed rail plan for Southern California.

Union Station run-through tracks - via CAHSRA video

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

UCLA Study Shows How Ambiguous Definition of “Major Transit Stop” Creates Wiggle Room for Municipalities

This is a story of how well-intentioned efforts by the state to tie new development to transit hinge on how local governments (with their own incentives) interpret broad state law.

March 19, 2026

Metro Committee Again Sides with Nimbys, Postpones Key North K Line Rail Decision

The committee postponing approval empowers anti-rail nimbys opposed to Metro tunneling far deep beneath homes.

March 18, 2026

California Must Stop Expanding Highways 

While transit, bike, and safety projects struggle for funding, the state keeps writing blank checks for freeway widening boondoggles. It's time to tell our lawmakers: enough!

March 18, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines

Is that Ralph Vartabedian's music?

March 18, 2026

Opinion: The Federal Railroad Administration’s Proposed Amtrak Restructuring is Worth Considering

The federal push to overhaul Amtrak operations is promising, but it must be done with care.

March 17, 2026
See all posts