HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-14 - AGENDA REPORTS - METRO BRIGHTON TO ROXFORD (2)Agenda Item: 4
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: fill
DATE: March 14, 2017
SUBJECT: METRO BRIGHTON TO ROXFORD DOUBLE TRACK PROJECT
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Michael Murphy
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council support the Metro Brighton to Roxford Double Track Project, request that the
project be funded at the earliest opportunity, and transmit statements of support to the Boards of
Directors of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and
Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA).
BACKGROUND
At the regular meeting of February 14, 2017, upon the request of Councilmember Marsha
McLean, the City Council directed that the Brighton to Roxford Double Track Project be placed
on a future agenda for consideration.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is presently in the
design phase and public outreach phase of the Brighton to Roxford Double Track Project. The
Brighton to Roxford Double Track Project proposes to add approximately 11 miles of main line
track within Metro right-of-way to the existing single track corridor between Burbank and
Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley. This second -track addition will provide continuous double
track for approximately 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles to Sylmar, in the northeast San
Fernando Valley.
Currently, the single track is shared between Metrolink, Amtrak and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Metrolink's Antelope Valley Line, which provides commuter rail service to residents of Santa
Clarita, is the primary user of this section of rail. The overall project is estimated to cost
approximately $180 million. The design is currently in process with an expected completion
date in mid-2018. Furthermore, Metro is conducting public outreach to ensure that affected
neighborhoods and communities are fully informed about the project. Measure R funds will
finance the design and environmental work required for the project. At present, funds for
construction have not been fully identified. Therefore, a construction time frame for the project
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has not yet been determined.
The proposed project would add a second track adjacent to the existing single rail track within
Metro owned right-of-way. The project will result in upgrading 16 at -grade crossings to current
Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) design standards; including Positive
Train Control, thus improving safety within the project zone. Additional benefits resulting from
the project include reduced travel times, increased efficiency, additional capacity and enhanced
service within the overall corridor. The project also proposes to add second platforms at
Metrolink's future North Burbank Station, Sun Valley Station and Sylmar Station.
Metrolink shares the single track with Union Pacific freight trains along the existing corridor.
This often results in both freight and commuter service delays, as one train must wait on a side
track for the other train to pass. The Santa Clarita City Council has historically advocated for
increased Metrolink service to Santa Clarita, including additional mid -day and evening service.
One of the challenges for the SCRRA Board of Directors in honoring the City Council's
increased service requests relates directly to the carrying capacity of the existing single track
line. Although the improvements are slated to occur within the San Fernando Valley, Santa
Clarita Metrolink commuters will realize improved travel times immediately upon completion of
the double track project and over the longer -term with increased service opportunities.
The City Council is requested to support the Brighton to Roxford Double Track Project and
encourage the Metro Board of Directors to identify and commit full funding for the project at the
earliest opportunity.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
1. Adopt a "neutral" position on the project.
2. Adopt an "oppose" position on the project.
3. Other direction as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action requires no additional resources beyond those contained
within the adopted 2016/17 City budget.
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