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Coastal rail projects get $21 million in federal grants



Written by

Robert J. Hawkins


12:36 p.m., Nov. 18, 2011

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The federal Department of Transportation has awarded $21 million to Caltrans for engineering work for railroad track projects located in San Diego, Oceanside and Del Mar.

The funding is earmarked for engineering designs and environmental work on several projects, including the construction of a permanent seasonal platform at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Corridor is currently undergoing an $800 million upgrade that includes addition of a second track through San Diego County, as well as bridge replacements and signaling improvements.

The corridor is currently used by the Caltrans-operated Amtrak Surfliner, Coaster and Metrolink commuter trains and freight trains and is one of the busiest in the nation.

The projects and funding amounts are:
•$7 million for double-track design, the fairgrounds platform and bridge replacement in Del Mar. The work would cover 1.1 mile of new track and replacement of a wood trestle built in 1916 -- as well as design work on the fairgrounds platform which would be used during racing season and the county fair.
•$10 million for double-track design, environmental and engineering work in the Elvira to Morena segment in San Diego.
•$4 million for engineering design work on the addition of a second track in Oceanside as well as replacement of the San Luis Rey River railway bridge. This project will eventually connect two existing sections of double track.

In announcing the awards today Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, said Secretary LaHood. “The projects will help relieve congestion, create jobs and help ensure the world’s eighth largest economy continues to grow.”


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