Caltrans receives $55 million grant to reduce congestion and improve safety on Pacific Surfliner
Written by Administrator
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded three grants to Caltrans, totaling $55 million, to reduce congestion and increase safety on the Pacific Surfliner intercity rail corridor between Los Angeles and San Diego, Calif. "More Californians are choosing trains for travel and Caltrans is committed to ensuring a safe ride for all our passengers," said Acting Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. The final segment of a third rail track between Los Angeles and Fullerton will be funded by $38 million. The Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink and freight trains currently share two rail tracks, which can create congestion and delays. $3.4 million will fund new track construction at the Oceanside station to move Metrolink commuter trains off the mainline. $13.5 million will fund Positive Train Control, which will increase railroad safety by monitoring and controlling trains to prevent collisions and derailments. In a partnering effort, the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, which operates Metrolink, will install the PTC system on tracks between San Onofre and Moorpark, where Metrolink shares the line with the Pacific Surfliner. The state will match the federal funds for the PTC dollar-for-dollar with 2009 Proposition 1A rail bond funds, increasing the project's funding to $27 million. "Metrolink is grateful to the leaders, who demonstrated their commitment to rail safety by allocating these funds. Our program is now fully funded, and Metrolink is well on our way to being the first commuter rail agency in the nation to implement Positive Train Control," said Metrolink Chairman Richard Katz. "Enhancing our commuter rail service is a critical component in ensuring Southern California's transportation network can carry us successfully into the future," said Will Kempton, CEO of the Orange County Transportation Authority. "We are thankful for the strong partnership we have forged with the federal government and appreciate the continued support of our ongoing efforts to improve safety and mobility in the region."
