[Caltrans] – Caltrans, BNSF Railway, and Amtrak announced the groundbreaking Tuesday of a $38 million rail project that will add 3.8 additional miles of track to the Los Angeles area, increasing efficiency and rail capacity.

The project is fully-funded by an American Recovery & Reinvestment Act grant from the Federal Railroad Administration and is part of a larger $163 million, 15-mile main line track expansion between the cities of Commerce and Fullerton, known as the Triple Track Project, which lays an additional third track next to two existing lines.

“In a densely populated urban region such as Los Angeles, passenger and freight rail lines often compete for track access,” said Acting Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “This project makes it possible for us to better serve the public by helping to alleviate congestion and improve on-time performance.”

Construction of the Triple Track Project is divided into eight segments of main line capital improvements. In addition to improving safety and reducing noise, completion of all 15 miles of the new track will allow for expanded passenger and commuter rail service through the corridor.

“BNSF and Caltrans share a long-term commitment to improve the efficiency of rail transportation in California,” said D.J. Mitchell, BNSF Assistant Vice President, Passenger Services. “Investments such as this will help improve rail passenger service, while maintaining consistent and reliable rail freight capabilities within the region.”

“Amtrak continues to look forward to the implementation of all track improvements to the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor,” said Michael Chandler, Amtrak General Superintendent, Southwest Division. “The Triple Track Project will improve the on-time performance for the Amtrak California Pacific Surfliner® trains operating through the corridor and our passengers are the ones who will benefit the most from these improvements. We would like to thank our partnerships with the BNSF Railway, Orange County Transportation Authority and California Department of Transportation.”