What is the ACE Project?
The Alameda Corridor-East (ACE) Project is a comprehensive construction program intended to mitigate vehicle delays and collisions, and other adverse community impacts at rail-roadway crossings resulting from growing freight rail traffic along two 35-mile railroad mainlines in the San Gabriel Valley. The ACE Trade Corridor rail mainlines through Southern California carry 16 percent of all oceangoing containers in the United States and have been designated by Congress as a Project of National and Regional Significance. The ACE Project includes constructing grade separations, where the road goes over or under the railroad, at 19 crossings (resulting in the elimination of 23 at-grade crossings) and safety and mobility upgrades at 53 crossings. Construction has been completed on sixteen rail-roadway grade separations. One grade separation is under construction, with another two grade separations and eight crossing safety projects in the design phase. Jump Start safety improvements have been completed at 40 at-grade crossings.
Why do we need the ACE Project?
Southern California’s San Pedro Bay ports are the nation’s busiest, handling 44 percent of the country’s containerized imports, 90 percent of California’s imports and 75 percent of its exports. Nearly 60 percent of the containers travel inland by freight rail along the ACE Trade Corridor to and from destinations across the country. Without ACE, increased rail traffic will add to congestion throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The Alameda Corridor Project opened in 2002 and was designed to speed rail traffic between the ports and downtown Los Angeles. It allows for more freight to move from the ports, through the Valley and across the country. The ACE Project is intended to relieve traffic congestion in the San Gabriel Valley caused by longer and more frequent freight traffic. Studies show that without the ACE Project, traffic delays at crossings will increase by 300%.
Who is in charge of the ACE Project?
The ACE Construction Authority was established in 1998 by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) as a single-purpose construction authority to implement the ACE Project. In 2017, the SGVCOG was restructured and the SGVCOG Capital Projects and Construction Committee was established as a successor to the ACE Construction Authority with full responsibility for implementing the ACE Project.
Who is paying for ACE?
Funding for ACE comes from federal and state gas tax and other transportation funds, state Proposition 1B transportation bonds approved by the voters in 2006, Los Angeles County Prop C and Measure R sales tax revenues and other local funds, and a railroad contribution from the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), typically of less than 5 percent.
Will there be any takings of private property?
Yes. Some homes and businesses must be acquired in order to construct grade separations. All affected property owners will be compensated at fair market value for their property in accordance with state and federal law. In addition, relocation assistance will be provided to occupants to minimize the impact of relocation.
Will ACE Construction prevent customers from getting to local businesses?
ACE construction is being planned and scheduled to maintain customer access to local businesses wherever possible. Contractors will also be required to submit traffic control plans to minimize traffic impacts during peak use periods (commute hours).
How will ACE ensure that police, fire and ambulance services will be able to get through the construction zone?
Emergency response access is a key concern. ACE works with each city along the construction corridor to maintain project updates and uses local police departments for traffic control where necessary during construction. In the event an intersection must be closed, ACE will coordinate alternate routes with the emergency agencies involved.
There are a number of schools along the rail corridor. What measures are being taken to work with schools and students?
Safety is our number one concern. ACE’s outreach program will provide safety information on construction and rail operations at school assemblies. During construction, ACE will notify local schools about major construction activities in their vicinity.
Where can I get more information?
You can obtain more information by calling the ACE Project Helpline at (888) ACE-1426.