California grade separation program continues to garner political support

Federal, state and local elected officials held a media briefing on Monday in San Gabriel, Calif., to reaffirm their support for the Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority's (ACE) grade separation program in southern California.

Following a recent spate of collisions at crossings in the San Gabriel Valley, the officials voiced their continued backing of the program's 22 grade separations and various safety improvement projects, which are estimated to cost $1.7 billion. So far, seven grade separations have been completed and several are under construction. Safety and mobility improvements have been completed at 39 crossings.

Sponsored by 31 cities in the San Gabriel Valley, the ACE program is designed to eliminate crossing collisions, delays and congestion, and reduce emissions from idling vehicles.

"As rail traffic increases throughout the San Gabriel Valley, the ACE grade separation projects will make our communities cleaner and safer," said U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) in a press release. "That's why I fought to create the first-ever National Freight Program to provide grants to rail projects like these. And it's why I will continue to fight for funding for ACE projects and their inclusion in the National Freight Strategic Plan as the [U.S.] Department of Transportation continues to develop it."

The program's long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term construction impacts of various projects, said ACE Chair Norma Macias, mayor pro tem of El Monte, Calif.

"We appreciate the support of the San Gabriel Valley's legislators and local leaders, and the community's understanding and patience during construction of these projects," she said.