Officials Must Plan for Increased Rail Traffic

One of the biggest issues facing the city in the next year--and decade--is how to plan for increased rail traffic and resulting delays for motorists.

County transportation and railroad officials say about $200 million worth of work, including overpasses and underpasses, is needed along North County crossings.

But city officials say the proposal would mean the loss of private property, including a condominium complex, a mobile-home park and small businesses. City officials in December hired a consultant to craft a plan that would lower railroad tracks along Orangethorpe Avenue. Lowering the tracks could cost more than $400 million but would have the smallest impact on the city, officials said.