Double-Tracking Projects

SANDAG and Caltrans are constructing a second set of train tracks across the Batiquitos Lagoon to enable northbound and southbound trains to pass and to allow passenger trains to pass slower freight trains. The project also replaces a 1940’s wooden trestle bridge with a concrete, double-track bridge. Learn more on the Batiquitos Lagoon Double Track project page.

The North Oceanside Double Track project will add a one-mile stretch of second main track from Oceanside Harbor to Pier View Way in Oceanside. This new segment will join two existing double-track segments. The project also includes replacing the aging single-track rail bridge over the San Luis Rey River. When complete, the project will create 10.3 miles of continuous double track along the LOSSAN Corridor.

We will also install two track crossovers along the existing railroad tracks between Surfrider Way and Pier View Way to allow trains to cross from one track to the other as they approach or leave Oceanside Transit Center.

Eastbrook and Shell are two control points along the route. Control points are points where dispatchers control the signals and switches.

SANDAG is also collaborating with the City of Oceanside to:

• Improve the bike and pedestrian undercrossing on the south side of the San Luis Rey River rail bridge 
• Expand the pedestrian undercrossing adjacent to the Oceanside Harbor
• Construct street median improvements at Surfrider Way to support a future Quiet Zone in Oceanside that would limit train horn noise

As of August 2024, the final design is complete, and the project is in the permitting process.

SANDAG's San Dieguito Double Track and Special Events Platform project will improve the operation and safety of the rail line in the LOSSAN Corridor between Solana Beach and Del Mar. The project will include double tracking from the Solana Beach trench, just north of Dahlia Street, to the north end of the Camino del Mar and Jimmy Durante overpass, resulting in a continuous 2.1-mile stretch of double track. In addition to double-tracking improvements, a new bridge and special events platform will be constructed to replace the more-than-100-year-old wooden trestle bridge and to provide a direct transit option for people attending events at the fairgrounds. Learn more on the San Dieguito Double Track project page.

The first phase of construction on this project opened in May 2015 and resulted in a 4.2-mile stretch of second track from San Onofre State Park to just north of Las Pulgas Road and the replacement of a 1931 wooden bridge.

There are two more project phases in this project which are in the process of design and permitting.

SANDAG is working to add approximately 3 miles of second main track between the Sorrento Valley Station and Miramar Road in the City of San Diego. This project is being designed and constructed in two phases.

Phase 1, which was completed in March 2014, added 1 mile of double track and replaced an aging wooden trestle bridge south of the Sorrento Valley COASTER station. The total cost of Phase 1 was $44.4 million.

Phase 2 will add another 2 miles of second track between I-805 and Miramar Road in the City of San Diego and straighten the sharp curves that slow passenger and freight trains as they climb Miramar Hill. In November 2016, we released the Environmental Assessment (EA) for Phase 2 in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA analyzes the current state of the surrounding environment, potential impacts, project alternatives, and applicable mitigation measures. Phase 2 is currently in the environmental review process, and we are actively purchasing right-of-way properties. We have allocated $11 million to complete the design and environmental review.

Combined with previous construction efforts, this project will create more than 9 miles of continuous double track along the LOSSAN Corridor.

In 2020, we opened the Elvira to Morena Double Track project to the public. It added 2.6-miles of second main track from SR 52 to just south of Balboa Avenue. We also realigned the route to straighten several curves near the north end of the rail segment. The project also included the replacement of three bridges, signal improvements, and utility and drainage improvements along the route.

When linked to double-tracked segments on either end of the project, we achieved a continuous 10.3-mile stretch of double track to improve passenger and freight operations in the LOSSAN Corridor. The project improved train speed and scheduling, reduced maintenance costs associated with curved alignments, and created more operational flexibility.

Completed in 2020, the San Diego River Double Track project added a second main track from Tecolote Road to just north of the Old Town Transit Center. The new 0.9-mile track connected to existing double track at each end, resulting in 7 continuous miles of double track. The project also included double tracking across the San Diego River with a new bridge, construction of associated site improvements, and signal modifications.

The project is located in the City of San Diego within the right-of-way owned by the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) on tracks managed and operated by the North County Transit District (NCTD).

This project supported the growth of the LOSSAN Corridor while increasing reliability, maintaining safety, and constructing in a way that was sensitive toward the natural resources of the San Diego River.

In collaboration with NCTD, Caltrans, and the FTA, SANDAG designed and constructed the San Elijo Lagoon Double Track project. This project added 1.5 miles of second main track from Cardiff-by-the-Sea to the southern border of the San Elijo Lagoon and replaced a wooden trestle bridge with a modern, double-track bridge. The project area extended between Encinitas and Solana Beach.

Other improvements included:

• A new pedestrian undercrossing at the south end of the lagoon
• Upgraded signaling and safety at the Chesterfield Drive grade crossing
• A reconfigured rail switch
• A new retaining wall north of the lagoon to keep the rail tracks separated from the lagoon inlet