The Third Street Grade Separation Project is set to ease the flow of traffic through Third Street.
Currently, traffic is stopped approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes cumulatively every day on Third Street due to approximately 100 daily passing trains at the BNSF crossing. Congestion at this train crossing is expected to increase to 10 hours per day by the year 2046.
The Third Street Grade Separation Project will lower Third Street, between Vine Street and Park Avenue, and build a new bridge for railroad tracks to separate the at-grade crossing on Third Street.
The project will improve public safety, eliminate train horns, relieve traffic congestion, reduce response time for emergency services, and improve mobility for pedestrians and motorists.
About the Project
The Third Street Grade Separation Project includes building a new four-lane underpass, to replace the existing at-grade crossing at the BNSF railroad tracks, relocating BNSF tracks to minimize rail disruptions, and realigning Commerce Street for improved connectivity. Third Street will see upgrades with a raised median, bike lanes, and sidewalks. The project will also require constructing retaining walls, realigning the Riverside Canal, a stormwater pump station, and utility relocations.
The Project is not capacity-increasing and the purpose and need for this project is to mitigate safety and congestion impacts from the presence of an at-grade railroad crossing.
Project Outputs
1 Eliminated at Grade Crossing
7,840 Square Foot Bridge
3.0 Miles of Track
1.3 Miles of Vehicle Lanes
0.6 Miles of Sidewalks
Project Benefits
Freight Reliability
Congestion Reduction
Multimodal Safety Enhancements
Air Quality Improvement
Emergency Response Time Reduction
Community Meetings
Learn about the details of the project at a community meeting.
Thursday, March 21, 2024 – 6PM - 8PM – Dale's Senior Center
Anticipated Project Timeline
Please note, construction is dependent on many variables, including weather, and this project timeline is subject to change.
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02/2022
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)/ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Approval
Perform necessary procedures for environmental review and impact analysis of project that require approval by local/state/federal agencies.
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12/2024
End Final Design
Detailed architectural and engineering drawings of all physical components of the project are produced.
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08/2025
End Right of Way
All temporary and/or permanent acquisition of land or other property rights on parcels of land required for the improvement project are complete.
-
02/2026
Construction Award
Select and award applicable contractor after appropriate review and evaluation of bids/proposals received through competitive purchasing procedures.
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02/2028
End Construction
Conclude all physical construction activities.
Project Costs
The project is fully funded for all phases with the help of grants received for the Construction phase.
|
Construction |
$47,000,000 |
|
Contingencies |
$12,000,000 |
|
Total |
$59,000,000 |
Grants Received
View the given list of grants received for the construction of the project.
(State Funded)
Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP), California State Transportation Agency
View Press Release
(Federally Funded)
Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program, Federal Railroad Administration Agency
View Press Release
(Federally Funded)
Highway Infrastructure Program, Department of Transportation
(Regional Local Funds)
2023 Western Riverside County Measure A Regional Arterial (MARA), Riverside County Transportation Commission
FAQ
See frequently asked questions.
Project Gallery
Browse photos of the project.
Stay Up-to-Date
For questions related to the project or to provide feedback, please contact:
Swetaben Patel | [email protected]
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