Money advanced to replace 110-year-old train trestle in Del Mar

The board of directors of the San Diego Association of Governments last week unanimously approved an advance of up to $62 million in local Transnet funds to assure the construction of a railroad bridge and related projects in Del Mar.

The advanced money will be replaced over three years beginning in 2029 with funding expected from the State Transportation Improvement Program, a move allowed by state Assembly Bill 3090 approved by the Legislature in 1993.

In addition to the bridge across the San Dieguito River, the anticipated work includes about 1.5 miles of a second set of tracks, called double-track, that improves service by allowing trains to pass each other. Another component is a special events platform for passengers at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

In all, the construction is expected to cost an estimated $350 million. It’s been fully funded with federal, state and local funds, including revenue from TransNet, a temporary half-cent sales tax approved by San Diego County voters.

No federal money has been withheld or cut, a SANDAG official said. The advance is needed to assure construction can begin on schedule in 2027.

Some Del Mar residents asked the regional planning agency to delay the San Dieguito project until a new alignment, probably including a tunnel, is chosen to take the train tracks off the eroding coastal bluffs.

Many Del Mar residents oppose the shortest and fastest routes proposed, which would take the tunnel beneat...