Metrolink awarded $13.6 million for grade crossing safety projects

Metrolink will receive up to $13.6 million in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Section 130 Program funds for safety improvements at four grade crossings along its Antelope Valley Line in Palmdale and Lancaster, California.

In partnership with Union Pacific Railroad and the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, Metrolink will design and implement safety enhancements at Avenues J and K crossings in Lancaster, Avenue P crossing in Palmdale and Avenue M crossing in both cities, Metrolink officials announced in a press release.

Improvements will include automatic pedestrian gates with emergency exit swing gates, pedestrian channelization, median widening and extension, modifications to the crossing warning system to provide additional advance preemption warning time and traffic signal modifications.

The $13.6 million in funding will cover 100% of design and construction costs for Metrolink’s portion of the project. The California Department of Transportation will administer the Section 130 funds on behalf of FHWA, and manage concurrent agreements with UP and the cities to complete all the work.

Construction is anticipated to start in early 2023 and take 18 months to complete.