SANDAG - SANDAG Releases Value Analysis Study for LOSSAN Track Relocation
SANDAG Evaluates 16 Alternative Concepts for Critical Rail Realignment Project
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has completed an extensive Value Analysis (VA) Study examining options to realign a crucial segment of the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor that is threatened by eroding coastal bluffs in Del Mar.
The study, conducted from September through December 2024, evaluated 16 different alternative concepts ranging in estimated cost from $1.9 billion to $158 billion. The alternatives include various tunnel alignments, modifications to existing infrastructure, and major corridor relocations to address safety and reliability concerns along the second-busiest intercity passenger rail route in the United States.
"This corridor is the only rail connection between San Diego and the rest of the state and nation," said SANDAG in the study's executive summary. The current track alignment along the Del Mar bluffs has experienced temporary closures and speed restrictions due to erosion and bluff collapses, highlighting the urgent need for a long-term solution.
The study brought together representatives from multiple jurisdictions including the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, and Solana Beach, along with other stakeholders like the North County Transit District and Caltrans. Through a collaborative process, the team developed and evaluated options ranging from local tunnel realignments to ambitious proposals like relocating freight operations to the I-15 corridor.
Among the more moderate proposals, Alternative Concept 12 suggests stabilizing the existing bluffs and adding a second track at an estimated cost of $1.9-$2.5 billion. On the other end of the spectrum, Alternative Concept 13 proposes relocating all freight rail to the I-15 corridor at an estimated cost of $118-$158 billion.
The study identified key themes for SANDAG to consider as it moves forward, including minimizing impacts to private properties, reducing disruptions to economic generators, and demonstrating good public stewardship of prior investments. These findings will help inform SANDAG's Board of Directors as they consider which alternatives to advance to environmental review.
The rail realignment project aims to address both immediate safety concerns and long-term challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise, while maintaining vital transportation infrastructure that serves both passengers and freight operations in the region.
SANDAG staff will now work to refine these alternatives and project objectives before presenting recommendations to their Board of Directors for consideration of next steps in the environmental clearance process.
The study, conducted from September through December 2024, evaluated 16 different alternative concepts ranging in estimated cost from $1.9 billion to $158 billion. The alternatives include various tunnel alignments, modifications to existing infrastructure, and major corridor relocations to address safety and reliability concerns along the second-busiest intercity passenger rail route in the United States.
"This corridor is the only rail connection between San Diego and the rest of the state and nation," said SANDAG in the study's executive summary. The current track alignment along the Del Mar bluffs has experienced temporary closures and speed restrictions due to erosion and bluff collapses, highlighting the urgent need for a long-term solution.
The study brought together representatives from multiple jurisdictions including the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, and Solana Beach, along with other stakeholders like the North County Transit District and Caltrans. Through a collaborative process, the team developed and evaluated options ranging from local tunnel realignments to ambitious proposals like relocating freight operations to the I-15 corridor.
Among the more moderate proposals, Alternative Concept 12 suggests stabilizing the existing bluffs and adding a second track at an estimated cost of $1.9-$2.5 billion. On the other end of the spectrum, Alternative Concept 13 proposes relocating all freight rail to the I-15 corridor at an estimated cost of $118-$158 billion.
The study identified key themes for SANDAG to consider as it moves forward, including minimizing impacts to private properties, reducing disruptions to economic generators, and demonstrating good public stewardship of prior investments. These findings will help inform SANDAG's Board of Directors as they consider which alternatives to advance to environmental review.
The rail realignment project aims to address both immediate safety concerns and long-term challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise, while maintaining vital transportation infrastructure that serves both passengers and freight operations in the region.
SANDAG staff will now work to refine these alternatives and project objectives before presenting recommendations to their Board of Directors for consideration of next steps in the environmental clearance process.
Here are all 16 alternative concepts evaluated in the SANDAG Value Analysis Study, along with their estimated costs:
The cost estimates include construction, right-of-way, soft costs, and cost escalation to the final year of construction. Alternatives 4 and 7 did not have cost estimates developed as they could be incorporated into other alternatives.
- 1. North Portal at David Way/Crest Canyon (90 mph curves) - Cost: $3.8-$5.0 billion- Minimizes private subsurface easements by routing under Crest Canyon Open Space Park
- 2. Elevated Tunnel Profile- Cost: $3.4-$4.6 billion- Keeps tunnel above flood levels and provides positive drainage without flood gates
- 3. Southern Portal South of Pump Station- Cost: $4.5-$6.0 billion- Minimizes wetland impacts by placing portal south of Los Peñasquitos Lagoon
- 4. Jimmy Durante Boulevard/Camino Del Mar Intersection Realignment- Cost: Not developed
- - Could be incorporated into other alternatives
- 5. North Portal within Camino Del Mar- Cost: $3.9-$5.2 billion- Places transition within public right-of-way
- 6. North Portal Under Jimmy Durante Boulevard/Crest Canyon- Cost: $3.7-$4.9 billion- Routes under Crest Canyon with 90 mph curves
- 7. Bridge and Berm Optimization at Los Peñasquitos Lagoon- Cost: Not developed- Would be incorporated during environmental phase
- 8. Alignment Under Camino Del Mar- Cost: $3.6-$4.8 billion- Routes directly under Camino Del Mar with 90 mph curves
- 9. Bored Tunnel Transition South of Carmel Valley Road- Cost: $3.3-$4.4 billion- Minimizes private property impacts
- 10. LOSSAN Corridor Relocation Along I-5- Cost: $34-$45 billion- Relocates entire corridor from Oceanside to Sorrento Valley
- 11. Tunnel Transition at Old Del Mar Train Station- Cost: $4.1-$5.4 billion- Uses existing station site for construction staging
- 12. Bluff Stabilization and Second Track- Cost: $1.9-$2.5 billion- Maintains existing alignment while adding capacity
- 13. Freight Rail Relocation to I-15- Cost: $118-$158 billion- Separates freight and passenger operations
- 14. NOP Alternative A - I-5 Alignment- Cost: $6.9-$9.2 billion- 6.8-mile tunnel from Solana Beach to I-5 Knoll
- 15. NOP Alternative B - Crest Canyon Alignment- Cost: $3.7-$4.9 billion- 5.3-mile tunnel from Jimmy Durante to I-5 Knoll
- 16. NOP Alternative C - Camino Del Mar Alignment- Cost: $3.3-$4.4 billion- 4.9-mile tunnel with lagoon crossing
| Cost: billion | |||
| Option | Min | Max | Comments/Description |
| 1. North Portal at David Way/Crest Canyon (90 mph curves) | $ 3.80 | $ 5.00 | Minimizes private subsurface easements by routing under Crest Canyon Open Space Park |
| 2. Elevated Tunnel Profile | $ 3.40 | $ 4.60 | Keeps tunnel above flood levels and provides positive drainage without flood gates |
| 3. Southern Portal South of Pump Station | $ 4.50 | $ 6.00 | Minimizes wetland impacts by placing portal south of Los Peñasquitos Lagoon |
| 4. Jimmy Durante Boulevard/Camino Del Mar Intersection Realignment | Not developed | ||
| 5. North Portal within Camino Del Mar | $ 3.90 | $ 5.20 | Places transition within public right of way |
| 6. North Portal Under Jimmy Durante Boulevard/Crest Canyon | $ 3.70 | $ 4.90 | Routes under Crest Canyon with 90 mph curves |
| 7. Bridge and Berm Optimization at Los Peñasquitos Lagoon | Not developed Would be incorporated during environmental phase | ||
| 8. Alignment Under Camino Del Mar | $ 3.60 | $ 4.80 | Routes directly under Camino Del Mar with 90 mph curves |
| 9. Bored Tunnel Transition South of Carmel Valley Road | $ 3.30 | $ 4.40 | Minimizes private property impacts |
| 10. LOSSAN Corridor Relocation Along I-5 | $ 34.00 | $ 45.00 | Relocates entire corridor from Oceanside to Sorrento Valley |
| 11. Tunnel Transition at Old Del Mar Train Station | $ 4.10 | $ 5.40 | Uses existing station site for construction staging |
| 12. Bluff Stabilization and Second Track | $ 1.90 | $ 2.50 | Maintains existing alignment while adding capacity |
| 13. Freight Rail Relocation to I-15 | $ 118.00 | $ 158.00 | Separates freight and passenger operations |
| 14. NOP Alternative A I-5 Alignment | $ 6.90 | $ 9.20 | 6.8 mile tunnel from Solana Beach to I-5 Knoll |
| 15. NOP Alternative B Crest Canyon Alignment | $ 3.70 | $ 4.90 | 5.3 mile tunnel from Jimmy Durante to I-5 Knoll |
| 16. NOP Alternative C Camino Del Mar Alignment | $ 3.30 | $ 4.40 | 4.9 mile tunnel with lagoon crossing |
The cost estimates include construction, right-of-way, soft costs, and cost escalation to the final year of construction. Alternatives 4 and 7 did not have cost estimates developed as they could be incorporated into other alternatives.
SANDAG - SANDAG Releases Value Analysis Study for LOSSAN Track Relocation
SANDAG Board to Consider Recommendations on February 28
On Friday, SANDAG released the value analysis study report for the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project. The value analysis study was conducted in response to public feedback received on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the project. The study’s goal was to examine alternatives proposed in the NOP and identify enhancements or new route alternatives for relocating the tracks.
The value analysis was a technical study done by representatives with technical expertise from Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Solana Beach, 22nd District Agricultural Association, North County Transit District, and Caltrans. The Metropolitan Transit System and the City of Oceanside were also invited.
SANDAG staff has been reviewing the conceptual ideas that were raised through the value analysis study, as well as prior studies, and public feedback, and will be proposing alternatives for the Board of Directors to consider at its meeting on February 28. This will also be the next opportunity for public feedback.
Below is a brief description of the recommendations that staff are currently studying:
- Under Crest Canyon (Under Jimmy Durante to I-5 Knoll): Realigned to minimize subsurface easements by routing below Crest Canyon
- Under Camino Del Mar (Under Jimmy Durante to Torrey Pines Road West): Aligned to minimize subsurface easements by following below Camino Del Mar
- San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Knoll: Aligned to minimize impacts to Del Mar, the Fairgrounds, and San Dieguito Double Track Bridge
- Del Mar Bluffs Double Track Reinforced: Maintains current alignment, adds double track along the bluffs and through Los Penasquitos Lagoon with bluff reinforcement and more robust seawalls
- No Build: Includes continuation of major stabilization efforts that would be required to protect the existing single-track alignment
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