Solana Beach, Del Mar Still Opposed to Tunneling Proposal on LOSSAN Corridor
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner along the coast of southern California. Photo courtesy of Amtrak.
SAN DIEGO –– RT&S has been following and reporting on the proposed tunnel through and around Del Mar to address the continuing line stability problems the railroad has had.
Indeed, last year, we reported in July of this year that “In August 2023, RT&S reported on the proposal of a rail tunnel under Del Mar as a way to get the rail off of the Del Mar Bluffs. Residents were opposed to it then. They’re opposed to it now.” And, as 2024 comes to a close, the residents remain opposed to it.
According to the San Diego Tribune, residents of Del Mar and Solana Beach continued to express their concerns in the recent submittal of public comment totaling over 2,100 pages to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
While three different routes had been proposed, it was “Alternative A” that drew the most ire from business leaders and local residents, because this route would cause more disruption in a more populated area than the others. For example, the Tribune quoted, among others, the comments of Solana Beach officials and residents because the city’s proximity just north of the main construction area would subject it to significant disruption. “‘We recognize the importance of addressing the rail infrastructure to ensure regional connectivity and safety for passengers and freight; however, we believe that Alternative A does not meet the key California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements for a viable and feasible project alternative,’ according to a letter signed by Mayor Lesa Heebner included with the city’s comments. ‘This alternative as designed warrants no further investment in design and engineering and should be rejected based on the considerations previously documented by U.S. Department of Transportation Federal [Railroad Administration] (FRA), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) over the last 17 years.'”
The Tribune also reports that “In Del Mar, in response to residents who are advocating against any tunneling underneath their city, City Council members have supported the consideration of a fairgrounds alignment, although the council has not endorsed any particular alignment.” The paper added “The city of Del Mar submitted 10 pages of comments that said the draft environmental impact report needs to include noise impacts, air pollution impacts, and other possible effects on local homes and businesses.”
