Bay Area Council Support Leads to $100 Million for Megaregion Rail Project

One of California’s worst freight rail bottlenecks will be unclogged with help from a $100 million federal infrastructure grant announced this week that the Bay Area Council played an important role in securing. The Stockton Diamond Grade Separation Project will elevate one of two intersecting freight rail lines just south of Stockton, allowing for faster movement of goods and easing congestion that has slowed passenger travel on the ACE Train and Amtrak San Joaquins services connecting the Central Valley, Sacramento and the Bay Area.

The Council has long championed improved rail and other transportation connections in the Northern California megaregion to promote broader economic growth, and this project was a high priority for advancing that work. The project will also include improvements to auto, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure along the rail corridor, allow the Port of Stockton to expand its services and reduce pollution from idling trains. We extend congratulations to the public and private partners involved in the project, including the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, Caltrans, Council member Union Pacific, BNSF and many others. To engage in the Council’s transportation policy work, please contact Senior Vice President Gwen Litvak.

Featured image courtesy of ACE Rail.