VISTA — An initial study of grade separation designs for the Vista Transit Center at North Santa Fe Avenue is recommending that the rail tracks be elevated above the roadway to reduce congestion and increase safety, at an estimated cost of several hundred million dollars.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the North County Transit District and funded by a $254,250 Areas of Persistent Poverty Program Grant from the Federal Transportation Administration.
Grade separation is needed to eliminate two at-grade rail crossings at Vista Village Drive and Main Street, thereby improving traffic mobility and circulation, and enhancing safety for both pedestrians and drivers.
While there are several rail crossing sites in Vista, the Vista Village area is a major thoroughfare with heavy interaction between trains, vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. When the crossing gates lower, vehicles can become backed up along the roadway.
The study’s results were shared with the Vista City Council on August 26.
“I think that we need a lot of grade separation through Vista, but Vista Village is the number one area because it is critically important to our emergency response,” Councilmember Corinna Contreras said.
The study reviewed three proposed alternatives: an aerial track (1A), a trenched track (2A), and an aerial roadway (3A). While the city said that further study is needed to make a final decision, Alternative 1A was recommended as the preferred alternative for the time being.
The aerial railway would impact around one mile of track and create an aerial Vista Transit Center station, raising the track profile around 26 feet over both Vista Village Drive and Main Street. ADA ramps would also be provided from the ground level to the station to provide passenger access.
An embankment retaining wall would begin to the north near Calle Chapultepec and end to the south near Guajome Street. Total costs for Alternative 1A, including construction, range from $460 million to $860 million.
“The alternative was selected as it met the purpose and need of the study, it had limited adverse impacts, it maximized benefits corresponding to the cost, and was supported by the community,” said Darra Woods, principal transportation mobility planner for the city of Vista.
Alternative 2A would create a trench to lower the tracks and station around 30 feet, and would require the construction of rail crossing bridges. This is the most expensive alternative, estimated to be between $733 million and $1.5 billion, and would impact approximately 1.9 miles of track.
Alternative 3A proposes raising the vehicle roadway over the tracks at Vista Village Drive with above-grade intersections at Santa Fe Avenue and Olive Avenue, as well as several connector ramps. The estimated costs range from $343 million to $644 million.
This alternative would require the acquisition of around four acres of right-of-way and private property, according to the study.
The next steps in the project process include a more detailed feasibility study, expected to cost around $1 million, followed by environmental clearance and further design development.
Contreras, who also serves on the NCTD board of directors, stated that the city will require assistance in securing funding for the next phase of the study.
“I’ve been clear with North County Transit District that there’s no way we’re going to be able to apply for a million-dollar study just to get to higher design criteria than where we’re at,” Contreras said.
Councilmember Dan O’Donnell advocated for the assistance of elected leaders, such as Rep. Mike Levin, to secure the millions of additional dollars needed for construction.
“That’s why it’s so important that we continue to get grant funding, that we continue looking into it and studying, because the longer we wait, the higher the cost will get,” O’Donnell said.
Grade separation is also being considered for the area near the Buena Creek Sprinter station, including the rail crossings at Buena Creek Road and York Drive. Because this area technically falls into the unincorporated area, the County of San Diego is leading this project.
Councilmember Katie Melendez, who serves on the SANDAG Board, stated that funding for the various grade separation projects in the county will be competitive. However, Vista is in a good position with an initial study already completed, she said.
“What sets us apart is that we’ve been actually able to complete a study, and that gets us closer to breaking ground on construction. I think it is very ambitious of us,” Melendez said.
