San Dieguito Double Track - SANDAG

San Dieguito River_Railroad Trestle

SANDAG's San Dieguito Double Track Project envisions a new bridge across San Dieguito River, the double-tracking of 1.1 miles of railway between Solana Beach and Del Mar, a bridge replacement, and construction of a special events platform at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for Coaster and Amtrak trains.

As initially planned, construction of Phase 1 would include 0.8 mile of double-tracking north of the river and realigning the Stevens Creek channel, which today runs parallel to the tracks. Phase 2 would include construction of the double-tracked bridge, special events platform, realignment of the tracks south of Via de la Valle, double-tracking south of the river and utility improvements.

In May 2024, State authorities approved SANDAG’s request to extend a construction deadline tied to grant funding to allow the consolidation of the two phases into one. Combining the two phases will reduce the construction period, cost and impacts to the San Dieguito Lagoon. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027.

Grant funding includes an April 2023 award of $100 million from the California Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program and a January 2024 award of $53.9 million the U.S. Department of Transportation.

For more information: SANDAG webpage: San Dieguito Double Track and Special Events Platform