NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Announce Over $150 Million to Upgrade Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Route

Federal funding will support safety improvements, extend pedestrian crossings, and implement other infrastructure upgrades across the rail route to ensure pedestrian safety Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) announced that Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route will receive over $150 million in federal grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) program. This Department of Transportation (DOT) grant is designed to improve railroad performance, expand passenger rail service, and provide more reliable connectivity and safety. “I am proud to help deliver over $150 million in new safety and modernization upgrades across our Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route to improve pedestrian access. From extending pedestrian underpasses to increasing reliability, this essential investment will improve safety, efficiency, and reduce travel times for Californians – making travel seamless and keeping pedestrians safe,” said Senator Schiff. “I’m proud to announce more than $150 million in federal funding for Amtrak — an investment in the reliable, affordable rail service Californians count on,” said Senator Padilla. “Reliable rail service means good jobs, less gridlock, and better transportation options for Californians.” New grants announced are: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)’s will receive $124,429,778 to support a new double track segment, bridge replacement, realigning pedestrian access to a bike path, extending a pedestrian underpass, and rail crossing safety upgrades in the City of Oceanside, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and other cities along infrastructure owned by North County Transit District. This project is part of a larger effort to double-track the entire San Diego subdivision of the LOSSAN Corridor. City of Encinitas will receive $33,600,000 to help install new vehicle and pedestrian gates at three existing crossings, close one pedestrian crossing, construct two new pedestrian and bicycle at-grade crossings, and construct a new pedestrian and bicycle undercrossing. Background: Senators and Schiff and Padilla have been strong advocates for investment in California transportation infrastructure and have fought against the Trump administration’s harmful intentional delays on transportation projects. Most recently, Schiff and Padilla announced over $53 million from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to repair highways and roads across California. Schiff and Padilla also joined their colleagues in demanding the Trump administration stop delaying the advancement of public transportation projects funded by the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. Last year, Schiff toured and rode part of the Surfliner route, along Del Mar Bluffs, and heard directly from local and state leaders regarding the stabilization efforts. ###