About The Coalition for Safer Trains
Our Mission
The Coalition for Safer Trains is a group of San Diego area stakeholders. We are in support of SANDAG’s plan to move the rail line from its current location on the eroding coastal bluffs, to a safer location inland. We are aware that various locations are under consideration for a tunnel to replace the tracks. After evaluating SANDAG’s proposed alignments, we have serious concerns about their two favored proposed routes. It is our goal that you review their proposal and understand how it trades one dangerous route for another -- unnecessarily.
How You Can Get Involved
SANDAG is currently in the Public Engagement phase of this project. Their Project Team invites your input and feedback. SANDAG has stated that they have not yet selected an inland route for the train.
The Coalition for Safer Trains has provided below some key contacts for you to reach out to, to make your concerns heard. From the SANDAG website: For any questions related to the project, email or call us at LOSSANcorridor@sandag.org and 858-549-RAIL.
We hope you will take the opportunity to voice your concerns or provide feedback to their proposal!
Reach Out to SANDAG Team Members
General Comments & Questions
Sharon Humphreys -- Director of Engineering and Construction
General Comments & Questions
Danny Veeh -- Senior Planner
Sharon Humphreys -- Director of Engineering and Construction
General Comments & Questions
Sharon Humphreys -- Director of Engineering and Construction
Sharon Humphreys -- Director of Engineering and Construction
Sharon Humphreys -- Director of Engineering and Construction
Sample Letter 1
As SANDAG moves forward with the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project, we acknowledge that the train track will be moved off of the oceanfront bluffs and relocated to an inland route. If SANDAG is truly representing the people of San Diego, they will select the SAFEST ROUTE for the freight train to travel through our region. The train can be routed east to the Interstate 5 keeping it in a transportation corridor, rather than into established neighborhoods. It is imperative for the interests of all San Diegans that an Interstate 5 alignment BE INCLUDED equally for study, along with any other alternatives.
An alignment to the I-5, away from homes, is the most acceptable route for the double-track high speed commuter and freight train. As SANDAG is still evaluating alignments, it's imperative that an I-5 alignment remains in consideration.
Sample Letter 2
As SANDAG is moving forward with the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project, we acknowledge that the train track will be moved off of the oceanfront bluffs and relocated to an inland route. We are now at a critical junction in this process, as SANDAG is attempting to select a new route for the double-track freight train. The main concern is that the Camino Del Mar and Crest Canyon High Speed alignments route the train, carrying hazardous materials, into and through residential neighborhoods. If SANDAG is truly representing the people in their communities, they will select the SAFEST ROUTE for the freight train to travel through our region.
Moving the tracks to a tunnel under homes only trades one dangerous train track for another. If this tunnel is built, BNSF Railroad will be carrying hazardous materials and toxic chemicals directly under Del Mar and San Diego residential neighborhoods, including homes, businesses, infrastructure and public recreational spaces. According to the Association of American Railroads: Under their common carrier obligation, railroads are required to move large quantities of hazmat, including fertilizer, ethanol, crude oil, refined petroleum, chlorine, sulphuric acid, radioactive material and nuclear waste. It’s difficult to understand how anyone would choose to route a new freight train track directly under residential neighborhoods -- when there is a safer alternative.
An alignment east to the I-5 is the most acceptable route for the double-track high speed commuter and freight train. As SANDAG is still evaluating alignments, we are requesting that the portals are located away from homes and that the tracks are routed east to the I-5.
Sample Letter 3
We are watching SANDAG move forward with the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project with great concern. We acknowledge that the train track will be moved off of the oceanfront bluffs and relocated to an inland route. We are now at a critical junction in this process, as SANDAG is attempting to select a new route for the train.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process requires that SANDAG evaluate the environmental and related social and economic effects of their proposed actions. To secure federal funding, SANDAG must analyze "all reasonable alternatives," and these must be considered and discussed to a comparable level of detail. Moving the portals away from residential neighborhoods results in the best alignment option.
Disclaimer
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