Laurel Street Grade Separation Project Starts with Groundbreaking

Construction has begun on the Laurel Street Grade Separation Project, the first step in collaborated efforts by SANBAG (San Bernardino Associated Governments), the city of Colton, the state and BNSF and Union Pacific railroads to separate motorists from trains on the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) railroad line that frequently passes through the area on their way to Los Angeles- and Long Beach-based ports. On Nov. 12, officials from SANBAG and the city of Colton broke ground on the project, which will see a bridge constructed above Laurel Street through where trains currently run at the Miller Honey property, 125 E. Laurel St. The project is estimated to take approximately 18 months to complete. The project will depress Laurel Street under six railroad tracks. With a change in the elevation of the road, Eighth Street on the north and south ends of Laurel Street will be designed to end in a cul-du-sac and will include street improvements to maintain access to businesses, construction of retaining walls, utility relocations, drainage improvements and landscaping, according to a project overview on SANBAG's Grade Separations page. According to city staff reports, in September 2010, the Colton City Council approved the agreement with SANBAG for the Laurel Street Grade Separation project, one of 14 new grade separations in San Bernardino County, totaling an estimated $60 million in combined funds from SANGBAG, the city of Colton, the state, BNSF and Union Pacific railroads and Measure I - the county voter-approved half-cent sales tax. The overall 14 grade separation improvement program includes six completed grade separations, four grade separations currently under construction and four additional grade separations slated to begin construction in the coming months. The SANBAG Grade Separations page states, "Today, an estimated 90 trains pass through the Laurel Street/BNSF crossing a day on six railroad tracks resulting in a total 'gate down' time of over four hours daily. The number of trains crossing Laurel Street is expected to double to a 100 trains a day in year 2035 due to regional growth and as the economy improves." SANBAG President Bill Jahn told ceremony attendees last Tuesday afternoon, "Having noted the growing goods movement impacts on our local communities, the SANBAG board of directors had the foresight to identify railroad grade separations as a priority in an effort to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance safety in our region." SANBAG and the city of Colton have created and maintained a close partnership. In August, SANBAG and the city celebrated the completion of the Colton Crossing project, a five year-long endeavor that relieved train congestion between the BNSF and Union Pacific rail lines. "Through the course of numerous public meetings, SANBAG listened to the community’s concerns and as a direct result, worked with the city to make this project happen," Jahn said. Master of ceremonies, Colton Mayor Sarah Zamora, said, "Colton is surrounded by train tracks, so anything we could do to alleviate traffic, ensure safety, improve air quality and reduce sound" is beneficial. "Those tracks run right through residential areas and it's a federal requirement that they sound their horns because they are going through a residential area." Other speakers at Tuesday's event included Colton City Council Member Frank Navarro, who sits on the SANBAG Board; Colton City Council Member Frank Gonzales; and BNSF Public Affairs Director Lena Kent. The project is also expected to reduce train noise impacts on properties surrounding the area in a Quiet Zone initiative, which is expected to eliminate the need for trains to blow their horns as they pass the crossing, the project page states. The city of Colton has recently awarded contracts to begin creating these Quiet Zones at an additional four other railroad crossings south of the Laurel Street grade project, Jahn shared at the ceremony. Jahn said, "This project is especially important to Colton Middle School, located on Laurel Street on the other side of these tracks." He thanked Colton Middle School Principal Chris Marin and Colton Joint Unified School District Transportation Director Rick Feinstein for their assistance in the project. "Together, we are finding ways to continue getting students to school safely," he said. In addition to the reduced noise and added safety of separating motorists from the train tracks, another benefit is that "it will alleviate the heavy traffic" due to vehicles waiting for passing trains, shared Zamora. Jahn also noted the expected improvements and efficiency in both local and national good circulation upon completion of the project. "This project will not only improve the quality of life for Colton residents, but for all the citizens of our county," said Jahn.