In an effort to preserve Del Mar coastline and enhance rail safety, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is progressing with an ambitious rail realignment project. This project involves rerouting a 1.7-mile section of the LOSSAN rail corridor, which currently runs very close to the fragile Del Mar bluffs.
Geotechnical Work and Soil Analysis
As part of these efforts, engineering geologist Nathan Burt, along with SANDAG Environmental Compliance Manager Keith Greer, has been examining soil samples near Torrey Pines State Beach. Using a drill rig, vertical samples are extracted every 5ft, reaching depths of up to 220ft to study the Delmar Formation. These samples, formed around 48 million years ago, are important for understanding the geological composition, as they transition from coarse-grain fine sandstone to siltstone and mudstone.
The geotechnical study, led by HDR Engineering, is also important for assessing soil and groundwater conditions along the proposed rail tunnel routes. These findings will help determine the potential impacts on noise, vibration, and groundwater, which are public concerns often raised, according to Keith Greer.
Proposed Alignments
Four alignments are being considered, three involving tunnels:
1. San Dieguito Bridge to I-5: 5.3-mile tunnel costing $3.7B-$5B. It involves constructing a tunnel along I-5 and reconnecting with existing tracks in Sorrento Valley.
2. Under Crest Canyon: 5.1-mile option also costing $3.7 billion to $5 billion, this route goes beneath Crest Canyon and emerges near I-5, then reconnects to existing tracks.
3. Under Camino del Mar: At 4.9 miles, this alignment would cost $3.3 billion to $4.4 billion. It involves tunneling under Camino del Mar and emerging at North Torrey Pines Road before bridging over Los Peñasquitos Lagoon.
4. Bluffs Double Track: The least expensive at $1.9 billion, this option maintains current tracks along the bluffs and adds a second track, including stabilization enhancements.
Environmental and Community Considerations
• SANDAG is considering various environmental impacts, including effects on private property and local ecosystems, as they finalize the environmental impact report (EIR).
• Community feedback has led to revisions in the proposed alignments to address concerns effectively.
Funding and Timeline
• The project is backed by $300 million in state funds to complete necessary studies and engineering processes, with construction costs expected to be between $2 billion and $5 billion.
• SANDAG plans to move the tracks off the bluffs by 2035, with the final EIR expected to take about three years to complete.
Keith Greer, SANDAG’s Environmental Compliance Manager, assures the public that these reports will provide the necessary information. “That’s the kind of stuff you need these tech reports to be able to answer,” he said, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the project’s environmental assessments.
Source: The Coast News Group
Homes for sale in Carmel Valley click here.
Know your home’s worth, click here.
Shirin Rezania Ramos | 858.345.0685 | www.shirinramos.com | Compass, DRE 0203379
