By Andrea Peña Reyes / Special for Real America News
31 Oct 2023, 12:57 PM EDT
After advocating for nearly a decade, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) received funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to improve safety measures at one of the most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles County.
The Doran Street grade separation project will improve safety at the intersection of Doran Street and San Fernando Road, which has one of the highest numbers of safety-related incidents involving vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians in the city, according to the release. of press.
According to California State records, there have been seven accidents at the Doran Street railroad crossing, with two resulting in fatalities between 1990 and 2014.
The $38.3 million will help improve traffic around the railroad tracks by constructing a multi-height transportation crossing, also known as an overpass, that connects west San Fernando Road to the parkway bridge. Fairmont. Additionally, this project will help unite the cities of Los Angeles and Glendale.
“Started in 2012, we took it from concept to feasibility, environmental clearance and now to final design,” said Brian Balderrama who is the executive director of the LA Metro project. “We went to all of our financial partners, showing them that we are going to be close to being ready for construction and that we need funds to make that happen. And fortunately, they came to the table at both the state and federal levels, and now we can build this project.”
A grade separation “is a roadway that is realigned on or under a railroad track to eliminate hazards,” according to the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
The first phase of the project is scheduled for construction beginning in 2025, with an estimated completion date in 2027.
The Doran Street Grade Separation project was funded by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Railroad Crossing Removal Grant Program.
“I know this crossing is something that the community here has worked very hard to find a solution for, and rightly so,” Amit Bose, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, said during the ceremony. “The Doran Street intersection is one of the most dangerous in Los Angeles County. “We are proud to put federal investments to work to change that, increase safety and protect passengers, drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.”
Metro is providing 28 percent local funding for the FRA grant to help pay for the $61.8 million project, according to the news release.
“In a few more years, one of the most dangerous crossings in the state will be eliminated,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Los Angeles County residents will soon have a safer route to get to work, school or wherever they need to go.”
There are almost 90 daily trains, especially Metrolink, that circulate on the tracks in this area that is surrounded by industrial propane gas businesses, and frequented by cargo trucks, vehicles and pedestrians. Also, Highway 143 is close to the intersection which makes traffic in the area even more complicated.
By 2027, there is expected to be an increase in the number of trains to approximately 116 per day. Joining Metro, Metrolink, Amtrak or other train transportation.
The second phase of the project has an estimated almost $220 million dollars that will also build an overpass near Salem and Sperry streets, in the cities of Los Angeles and Glendale. This portion of the project will improve access to employment, residences and recreation by connecting an area currently blocked by the Los Angeles River and the 134 Freeway.