ACE kicks off $146 million underpass, rail bridge project in Southern California

Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority (ACE) officials joined federal, state and local representatives late last week to mark the start of a $145.6 million project to construct a six-lane underpass and four-track railroad bridge at the congested Fullerton Road crossing in the San Gabriel Valley.

The project, located north of State Route 60 in the unincorporated community of Rowland Heights, Calif., is among an ACE program of safety improvements and upgrades at rail crossings throughout the valley, ACE officials said in a press release.

The valley is considered the epicenter of Southern California's freight corridor. The Fullerton railroad crossing is used daily by more than 23,000 vehicles, many of which are trucks. The crossing is blocked by an average of 49 trains per day, and is projected to increase to 91 trains by 2025, according to ACE.

In addition to the underpass and railroad bridge, the project will involve the construction of a bridge for Railroad Street spanning Fullerton Road and lowering Gale Avenue to meet the new underpass.

"ACE's efforts to efficiently deliver vital grade separation projects will result in improved traffic safety, air quality and mobility for our local residents and the entire region,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, who serves on ACE's board.

Construction is slated for completion in spring 2020. The project will be funded in part by Los Angeles County Metro sales tax funds and state transportation bond funds.