California Transportation Commission OKs funds for several rail projects

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated more than $254 million for 41 transportation projects, including upgrades to rail infrastructure and rolling stock.

The allocations include $108 million from the state's Proposition 1B voter-approved transportation bond for the purchase of diesel-electric locomotives and bi-level passenger rail cars to improve intercity rail service in California by helping Amtrak replace aging locomotives and increase capacity.

In addition, the commission will provide $8.2 million to the Southern California Regional Rail Authority to extend the Vincent siding about 5,000 feet and construct a 600-foot platform with a grade crossing at the Vincent Grade/Acton Station in Los Angeles on Metrolink's Antelope Valley Line.

The commission also will allocate $2 million for preliminary engineering and environmental clearance work for the construction of a siding along a Union Pacific Railroad mainline in Ventura County, and $2 million for preliminary engineering and environmental clearance work for the construction of a siding along a UP mainline in Santa Barbara County in the Pacific Surfliner Corridor.

Both projects are designed to prompt the scheduling of train meets, allow more trains to operate simultaneously in the corridors, reduce trip times and help boost on-time performance, CTC officials said in an allocation summary.