Introduction
The San Ysidro Freight Rail Yard is located in the community of San
Ysidro, in the City of San Diego. The existing rail yard has been in its
current location since the early 1900s, at the terminus of the freight
line directly north of the US/Mexico border, east of the Metropolitan
Transit System (MTS) Trolley Blue Line and East Beyer Boulevard.
Due
to the geographic constraints of Beyer Boulevard, the International
Border, and Trolley line, the only viable option was to expand the rail
yard to the east. The project added two new storage tracks, a new access
road, and a paved area to improve circulation to load and unload rail
cars. These improvements increase efficiency and expedite loading
between freight cars and trucks.
The project extended the lead
track, which makes it possible to construct larger trains within the
yard without blocking the main line and without loss of time. The rail
yard enhancements include storm drain upgrades and other improvements to
address current drainage issues.
Other Project Benefits
• The project replaced aging rail infrastructure
• Rail yard enhancements alleviated drainage issues
• The project expanded eastward into vacant, undeveloped land
• Safety and security are enhanced by lighting and fence improvements
A related improvement project, the South Line Rail Freight Capacity Project,
enables expanded freight operations to meet existing and future growth
of freight rail in the region without interfering with San Diego Trolley
service.
Project Manager
Bruce Smith P.E., MBA
SANDAG Principal Engineer/Corridor Director
Phone: (619) 699-1907
Email: [email protected]