State’s largest funding award will advance the San Dieguito Bridge Replacement, Double Track and Special Events Platform Project
Oceanside, CA – The North County Transit District (NCTD) and San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) today announced the award of a $100 million grant from the State of California Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to advance Phase II of the San Dieguito Bridge Replacement, Double Track and Special Events Platform Project. The Project will replace a 107-year-old bridge in Del Mar, add 0.9 miles of double track in the area, and construct a special events platform at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This project makes needed improvements to the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) intercity rail corridor, which is the second busiest rail corridor in the nation.
NCTD and SANDAG received the largest award from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) from this cycle of TIRCP. This award enables NCTD and SANDAG to leverage additional federal investment for completion of the project.
“Replacement of this 107-year-old bridge is critical to ensuring the region’s transportation network is resilient to the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels,” said NCTD Board Chair Jewel Edson. “Additionally, adding capacity-enhancing double-track in the area and a special events platform will increase NCTD COASTER and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner ridership.”
“I am thrilled that Gov. Newsom and the California State Transportation Agency are investing $100 million for infrastructure in our community,” said SANDAG and San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Chairwoman, Nora Vargas. “The San Dieguito Double Track project is a priority for us, and it will bring safety and reliability to the entire LOSSAN corridor. Through SANDAG, we are able to leverage these critical investments in infrastructure for our local cities.”
“I am proud to support continued investment in the LOSSAN Corridor,” said U.S. Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49). “I will keep advocating for funding available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to protect and enhance this vital transportation link.”
“This is exciting news. This funding will help safeguard rail travel through North County,” said California State Senator Catherine Blakespear (SD-38). “By also extending rail to the Del Mar Fairgrounds with the construction of station platforms, the project funded by this award will improve regional transportation and options for commuters.”
The San Dieguito Bridge Replacement, Double Track and Special Events Platform Project will replace the San Dieguito River Railway Bridge, which is approaching the end of its useful life. Double tracking through this area and construction of the special events station platform at the Del Mar Fairgrounds will add capacity to support increased intercity rail frequencies and provide a one-seat ride to popular attractions such as Del Mar Thoroughbred Club races, the San Diego County Fair, concerts, and other events that attract visitors throughout San Diego and the Southern California region.
The LOSSAN Corridor supports COASTER commuter rail, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner intercity rail, and BNSF freight operations. SANDAG has completed environmental clearance and design work on the project.
At current service levels, the COASTER is the greatest reducer of vehicle miles traveled in the region. Increased service frequencies afforded by this project will enhance national priorities to improve the movement of freight, reduce vehicle miles traveled, support climate action, create jobs, foster social equity, and provide mobility. SANDAG plans to fully double track the LOSSAN corridor by 2035 to accommodate future demand with faster and more frequent train service.
“Thank you to Congressman Levin, Senate President Pro Tempore Atkins, Senator Blakespear, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath, and leaders throughout the San Diego region who supported this application,” said Edson.
The 2023 TIRCP Award Announcement can be found here: 2023 Cycle 6 New TIRCP Award List 04/24/2023 (ca.gov). Detailed descriptions of each project to receive funding from this round can be found here: 2023 TIRCP New Project Detailed Award Summary – 04/24/2023 (ca.gov)
