Metrolink has commenced work on its Burbank Junction Speed Improvement Project, breaking ground at at the Burbank-Downtown Station in Los Angeles County, California.
This project aims to reduce travel times by allowing for increased speeds and more efficient operations as part of the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) programme.
Metrolink Board Chair Ara Najarian said:By improving track infrastructure, the Burbank Junction Speed Improvement Project is an important step toward greater regional mobility, while delivering economic growth through new jobs. Metrolink appreciates its partnership with the City of Burbank on this enhancement and looks forward to working with other cities and agencies as our SCORE projects evolve.
Specifically, the Burbank Junction Speed Improvement Project will realign a portion of existing main line track, reconfigure and lengthen track, improve and replace approximately half a mile of existing track and install new right of way safety fencing.
These improvements could allow Metrolink to provide passengers with wait times of no more than 30 minutes.
Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said:It’s an exciting day for Metrolink as we begin work on this project that will eventually deliver more efficient train travel in the region, especially for riders along our Antelope Valley and Ventura County lines. Metrolink’s SCORE program will, over the next few years, add more track while improving grade crossings, stations, and signals for our riders and in preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Burbank Junction Speed Improvement Project is funded by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) through its Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP).
Construction is scheduled to be complete in Summer 2023.