Laurel Street/BNSF Railway Grade Separation PA/ED and PS&E

In the City of Colton, increasing train traffic led to frequent delays at rail crossings. Implementing a grade-separated crossing has alleviated the impacts that trains impose on the community.

An increasing amount of rail traffic in the City of Colton prompted a variety of concerns from city residents, particularly near the at-grade rail crossing intersecting Laurel Street. Delays at the crossing were becoming more frequent, and approaching trains were required to sound their horn despite being adjacent to a residential zone. To improve local traffic circulation, maintain safety for motor traffic, and address other concerns, a grade-separated crossing was developed.

During construction, our team ensured that access to residences, businesses, and a nearby school was maintained.

Advanced Civil Technologies supported the project team by providing preliminary engineering and final design services for the construction of the grade-separated crossing, allowing Laurel Street to freely pass under the six existing BNSF railway tracks. Our team was responsible for preparing the concept and traffic handling plans, signing and striping plans, construction area signs, and electrical plans.

Impacts to the railway and adjacent businesses required strong coordination with the many project stakeholders. Staging concepts were developed to maintain vehicular and pedestrian access, requiring extensive coordination with the City and local business owners to develop consensus on the staging concepts. Additionally, our team successfully coordinated with BNSF Railway to develop a three-track shoofly, allowing the railway to remain operational during construction.