Elected Officials Host Media Briefing on Railroad Crossing Projects

Federal, state, and local lawmakers participated Monday in a media briefing to reiterate their support for current and proposed rail-highway grade separation projects, according to a news release.

The Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority has more than $1 billion in current and future projects planned, including several in the City of Industry. The projects are designed to eliminate traffic collisions at railroad crossings in San Gabriel Valley, as well as to reduce congestion and emissions cars and trucks idling while waiting for trains to pass, officials said. The separations will reconstruct roads to go over or under the railroad tracks.

A recent spate of collisions at railroad crossings in the valley has prompted elected officials to again voice their support for the grade separation projects, officials said.

“I strongly support the ACE Construction Authority and its grade separation program, which is a priority for our region and in Sacramento,” State Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, a founding board member of the ACE Construction Authority, said in a statement.“I am pleased that the ACE Construction Authority has been able to secure significant funding from the state Proposition1B transportation bonds approved by the voters in 2006.”

Norma Macias, the Alameda Corridor-East's board chair and mayor pro tem of the city of El Monte, said the projects will be worth it when done.

“We appreciate the support of the San Gabriel Valley’s legislators and local leaders and the community’s understanding and patience during construction of these projects,” Macias said. “The long-term benefits of these projects will far outweigh the short-term impacts of construction.”

Construction on the 112.8 million Nogales crossing project in the City of Industry began in the spring. Other Industry projects in the pipeline include a $98.1 million separation on Puente Avenue, a $122.2 million grade separation at Fairway Drive and Valley Boulevard, and a $138.2 million one on Fullerton Road.

Several local elected leaders were expected to participate in the briefing including Diamond Bar Councilwoman Ling-Ling Chang and Walnut Councilwoman Mary Su.

The Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority is overseeing construction of grade separation projects at 22 crossings, as well as safety improvements at the remaining crossings at a total cost of around $1.74 billion. The agency has completed seven grade separation projects and made safety improvements at 39 crossings.