“Leveraging Bechtel’s international megaproject experience and successful rail delivery models from Europe and Asia,” the paper, “High-Speed Rail in the U.S.: The Mega Project Delivery Perspective,” which was released at the 2025 U.S. High-Speed Rail Conference, “outlines critical enablers, reform priorities, and a modern delivery approach tailored to the U.S. market.”
“High-speed rail can be a generational engine for U.S. economic growth,” said Jacob Mumm, General Manager for Bechtel’s Public Infrastructure business. “With the right approach, we can support U.S. workers, drive regional development, and attract private investment—all while providing a faster, safer, and cleaner way to travel.”
The paper (download below) emphasizes three core pillars for success:
- “Enablers: Building consensus for long-term investment certainty and developing a skilled workforce.
- “Reform: Simplifying permitting, planning, and environmental processes; standardizing technical specifications; and modernizing procurement policy to expedite high-speed rail projects.
- “Delivery: Adopting a holistic delivery model that starts with the end in mind—driving high contractor performance, innovation, and supply chain maturity.”
In addition to highlighting best practices from successful HSR projects internationally, the paper, the company says, “draws on Bechtel’s deep experience delivering rail megaprojects,” including the Korea High Speed Rail in South Korea, the Riyadh Metro in Saudi Arabia, High Speed 1 (formerly known as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link), High Speed 2 (U.K.), and the Elizabeth Line (formerly known as Crossrail) in the U.K.
With the potential to create more than 20,000 local jobs for every $1 billion invested and provide travel that is 20 times safer per mile than driving, HSR “presents a transformative opportunity,” Bechtel noted. “This paper aims to support U.S. leaders, public agencies, and industry partners working to turn that opportunity from ambition into reality.”
Bechtel’s Jacob Mumm and Keith Sibley are presenting the white paper’s findings this week at the U.S. High-Speed Rail Conference, including a panel discussion with international rail leaders from Spain, France, and Italy. The conference and paper coincide with the beginning of U.S. Infrastructure Week.
