Project Spotlight: California High-Speed Rail
Since 2011, Westwood has provided right-of-way (ROW) engineering and survey support services for the California High-Speed Rail project, contributing to one of the most complex and high-profile transportation efforts in the state. Our services span the full project lifecycle, from early planning and mapping through acquisition support and construction coordination.
Our team performs control and boundary surveys, research, base mapping, and prepares monument preservation records of survey. We also develop appraisal maps and work closely with the design team, design-build contractors, appraisers, and Authority staff to define ROW needs, flag proposed acquisitions, and prepare condemnation documents. For each acquisition, we deliver comprehensive land description packages, manage property owner notifications, and coordinate right of entry for affected parcels.
Additional services include preparation of right-of-way agreement exhibits, underlying fee research, topographic surveys, peer review, coordination with utilities and public agencies, and participation in public meetings and workshops. Westwood is recognized for consistently meeting aggressive schedules while maintaining the highest standards of quality and detail, with deliverables that align with agency requirements and withstand rigorous review.
Over more than 15 years on the California High-Speed Rail program, Westwood has progressed from a subconsultant to a prime contractor, holding multiple ROW engineering and surveying contracts, including work on HSR24-60. Our team has produced over 2,100 legal descriptions and Resolutions of Necessity, resolved more than 663 parcels, recorded at least 12 Records of Survey, completed more than 160 ROW request logs, surveyed over 80 miles, and preserved more than 2,600 monuments.
We bring extensive experience working with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, Caltrans, and numerous counties and municipalities throughout California. Our team is highly familiar with agency-specific standards and procedures, including appraisal mapping protocols, legal description formats, monument preservation requirements, and the preparation of Resolution of Necessity packages. This technical expertise, combined with our ability to seamlessly integrate ROW services with design, environmental, and construction efforts, ensures well-coordinated project delivery and early identification and resolution of potential conflicts.
Supporting the HSR Small Business Program
Westwood is committed to partnering with certified small and diverse businesses to support program goals and deliver as one team. Our current partners include:
- Bennett Engineering Services (SBE, DBE)
- Figueroa Surveying (SBE-Micro, DBE)
- ESP Surveying (SBE-Micro, DBE)
- Conaway Geomatics (SBE-Micro, DVBE)
- Diversified Project Services International (SBE)
- O’Day Consultants (SBE, DVBE)
