TIGER grant to help fund safety project at California rail crossing

BNSF Railway Co., the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), California and federal officials announced yesterday a safety improvement plan for a Los Angeles County rail intersection that's been deemed the state's "most hazardous" crossing.

U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) unveiled a $15 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to help pay for the construction of a vehicle overpass on Rosecrans Avenue in the city of Santa Fe Springs, according to a press release issued by Metro. 

The California Public Utilities Commission has rated the intersection, which is located at Rosecrans and Marquardt avenues, as the "most hazardous" in California. From 2013 to 2015, the commission recorded 22 incidents involving vehicles and trains resulting in four fatalities and six people injured.

In addition to the TIGER grant, state officials announced funds from state Proposition 1A-Section 190, L.A. County's Measure R and BNSF will contribute money to pay for the project's $137.2 million cost. Construction is slated to begin in January 2019 with completion expected in January 2021.

"This intersection is particularly hazardous because the railroad tracks approach street traffic from an angle, making it harder for motorists to see the oncoming trains," said Metro Board Chair John Fasana. "Elevating vehicles above the tracks will eliminate the danger and the delays caused by passing trains."

About 45,000 vehicles and 130 trains pass through the intersection daily.