Feds chip in $20M for major Stockton railroad project

STOCKTON – A $237 million project expected to relieve congestion for the four major railroads and passenger trains that cross paths just south of downtown Stockton got a major boost recently when the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $20 million grant for the long-anticipated infrastructure improvements.

Known as the Stockton Diamond Grade Separation Project, the intention is to elevate the north/south Union Pacific Railroad tracks over the east/west BNSF Railway tracks. The tracks currently cross at street level near South Aurora Street and East Scotts Avenue and are rated as the busiest, most congested at-grade rail junction in California.

In addition to multiple freight trains crossing in all directions 24 hours a day, the tracks carry Amtrak’s San Joaquins and the Altamont Corridor Express, also known as ACE that serves commuters traveling between Stockton and San Jose.

The current configuration requires trains to wait up to 30 minutes when another train is passing through the junction. The proposed project will allow for the uninterrupted flow of rail traffic through the crossing.

“When a train is stopped, it is going to block local roads and stop traffic and burn fuel. Just based on the quality of life, things are going to improve in Stockton,” said Quintin Kendall, deputy administrator with the Transportation Department’s Federal Railroad Administration.

“This project will make commuter lines more reliable and necessitate future expansion.”

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, in particular, which operates ACE trains “won’t have to worry about conflicts” at the junction after the project is completed.

Kendall said construction is expected to begin in May 2023 with completion scheduled for May 2026.

The project goes beyond improving local conditions, according to the early plan.

“It will improve freight rail movement through the entire Central Valley, to the Port of Stockton for vital import and export of goods, and across the national rail network,” the plan states.

The initial concept places the new junction east of the current site, with a stated effort to avoid existing structures and roadways, including Highway 4.

Kevin Sheridan, managing the project for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, said it “is a critical step in unlocking freight and passenger rail mobility in Northern California. The Stockton Diamond Grade Separation will fix one of the most congested rail corridors, enhance safety, reduce emissions and provide faster, more reliable passenger rail options for our riders.”

He was joined by Stockton City Councilwoman Christina Fugazi in her role as chair of the Rail Commission, who said:

“We greatly appreciate the support of Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton), the entire Central Valley congressional celegation, USDOT Secretary Elaine Chao, FRA Administrator Ronald Batory, and both the BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad for the Stockton Diamond Grade Separation effort. “Untangling the diamond will provide immediate benefits to residents of Stockton, support our plans to expand both the ACE commuter rail service and San Joaquins intercity passenger rail service, and improve freight movements throughout the region,” Fugazi said.

She also noted that the Stockton Diamond Grade Separation Project is the only rail project in the nation to win an award from the $1 billion Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program.

“This administration is making significant investments in infrastructure, and this $1 billion in BUILD grants will repair, rebuild and revitalize transportation systems across America,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao in a statement accompanying the announcement of the award to Stockton.

To learn more or comment on the project, visit stocktondiamond.com; call (209) 235-0133; email info@stocktondiamond.com; or write c/o Public Outreach, 2379 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95833.

Contact reporter Joe Goldeen at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGoldeen.