California High-Speed Rail Takes Key Step Toward Completion with Environmental Review of Los Angeles to Anaheim Section : New Update

Published on December 17, 2025

California High-Speed Rail project has reached a significant milestone with the release of the environmental review for the Los Angeles to Anaheim section. This marks a key step toward the completion of the state’s ambitious high-speed rail network, which will ultimately connect the San Francisco Bay Area with Southern California. The environmental review is a critical part of the approval process, evaluating the potential impacts of the proposed rail corridor on local communities and the environment. By advancing this review, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is not only ensuring the project moves forward but also reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, efficient transportation for the state.

This draft document is a combined Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), crafted in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It aims to assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project and is integral to the process of securing approval for the Los Angeles-Anaheim rail corridor. The public can access the report and submit their feedback via the Los Angeles to Anaheim Project Section’s environmental documents page, where they will find full details of the project.

The publication of this draft marks the final step toward obtaining full environmental clearance for Phase 1 of the state’s ambitious 494-mile high-speed rail system, designed to connect the San Francisco Bay Area with Los Angeles and Anaheim. The Los Angeles-Anaheim stretch, located at the southern end of Phase 1, plays an essential role in linking major urban hubs across the state, offering a faster, greener alternative to traditional road and air travel.

The proposed route follows an existing rail corridor that currently serves both passenger and freight trains. Starting from Los Angeles Union Station, the alignment stretches southeast toward Anaheim, passing through communities including Vernon, Commerce, Bell, Montebello, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, La Mirada, Buena Park, Fullerton, and Anaheim. Additionally, the route will run through parts of unincorporated Los Angeles County, connecting various neighborhoods and regions to the growing transportation network.

The draft EIR/EIS presents three alternatives: the No Project Alternative and two Build Alternatives. Both Build Alternatives propose the use of shared passenger tracks, but they differ in the location of a light maintenance facility. Alternative A suggests placing the maintenance facility at 26th Street, while Alternative B proposes the 15th Street site. The California High-Speed Rail Authority has identified Shared Passenger Track Alternative A as its preferred choice, given its alignment with the overall project goals and operational efficiency.

Beyond these primary alternatives, the draft EIR/EIS also explores the possibility of an intermediate high-speed rail station. While this option is not formally included in the preferred alternative, it is being considered as a potential addition to the route. This station could be located at either the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Station or the Fullerton Metrolink and Amtrak Station. The addition of such a station would involve constructing new platforms and other necessary infrastructure to accommodate the high-speed rail service, potentially improving access and connectivity for passengers traveling between key locations along the corridor.

The release of the draft document sets the stage for a public consultation period, allowing community members, local stakeholders, and other interested parties to provide their feedback on the proposed alternatives. This feedback is crucial to the process, as it will be reviewed by the California High-Speed Rail Authority to inform subsequent decisions and help address any concerns raised by the public. The input gathered during this period will play a significant role in shaping the project as it moves closer to environmental approval and eventual construction.

This draft EIR/EIS is an essential step in obtaining the necessary environmental clearance for the Los Angeles-Anaheim high-speed rail section. Once the environmental approval is secured, the project will move into the construction phase, paving the way for the development of infrastructure that will support the high-speed rail system. The Los Angeles-Anaheim section will dramatically reduce travel times between these two major cities, offering a fast, reliable, and sustainable transportation option for both commuters and travelers.

In addition to providing faster transit, the high-speed rail project is expected to spur significant economic growth in Southern California. By improving connectivity across major urban centers, the rail system will create new opportunities for businesses, tourism, and regional development. It is also seen as a key element in California’s broader efforts to reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and transition to a more sustainable transportation system.

The release of the environmental review for the Los Angeles to Anaheim section marks a key step toward completing the California High-Speed Rail project, bringing the state closer to a faster, more sustainable transportation network. This review is crucial for assessing potential impacts and ensuring the project’s successful progression.

As the public review process continues, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is one step closer to bringing its vision of a high-speed rail network to life. The Los Angeles-Anaheim segment is a vital part of this effort, and its completion will be a landmark achievement in the ongoing transformation of California’s transportation infrastructure. With the feedback gathered from the community and stakeholders, the project will evolve to meet the needs of residents, businesses, and travelers, ensuring that it is built in a way that benefits everyone.