FRA awards $38M for PTC in Southern California

Southern California will benefit from the more than $38 million awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration to help implement positive train control.

More than $13 million was provided for the section between San Onofre in San Clemente and Moorpark in Ventura County and an additional $25 million for the area between the Orange County line and downtown San Diego.

The funding is part of a $171 million grant provided to Caltrans to improve service along intercity rail lines.

“I am thankful to the federal government for providing money for a system that will enhance safety for our residents in South County,” said Fifth District Supervisor Pat Bates, also vice chairman of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). “Rail is a vital piece of the transportation network and I look forward to continuing our work with local cities and residents on ways to improve the system.”

OCTA continues to explore improvement opportunities such as collaborating with eight cities to enhance safety at 50 grade crossings in the county. Work also is ongoing with the city of San Juan Capistrano to improve safety and operational efficiencies, including a potential passing track.

Any side railroad track would be approximately less than two miles between the northern city limits to Trabuco Creek. There are no plans to extend the passing track south of Trabuco Creek or into historic downtown San Juan Capistrano.