Colton Crossing grade separation project breaks ground

California state and local officials kicked off construction on the Colton Crossing Rail-to-Rail Grade Separation Project, which will improve safety and freight movement through one of the nation's busiest rail crossings. The $208 million grade separation project will move two east-west tracks used by Union Pacific over two north-south tracks used by BNSF. The two lines have intersected each other for more than a century, which causes freight slowdowns for more than 135 trains daily and significant local noise and air quality issues for area residents. The new separation will improve public safety by preventing risk of train derailments to nearby homes and interstates. The project received a $33.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program. When completed in 2014, the new crossing will help trains avoid slowing down or stopping for others to pass, shortening the time needed to move goods to and from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.