After years of planning and discussion, one of North County San Diego's biggest transportation projects is officially moving forward.

The California Transportation Commission recently approved $214.3 million in funding for SANDAG's San Dieguito Double Track Project, bringing the project's total committed funding to approximately $350 million. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and continue through mid-2031.

This is more than just another rail project. For anyone who has sat in traffic trying to get to the San Diego County Fair or the Del Mar Racetrack, it could eventually make getting there much easier.

A Train Stop at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

One of the biggest additions is a new special-events train platform located directly at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Today, COASTER riders heading to the fair or horse races typically get off in Solana Beach and take a shuttle to the fairgrounds. The new station will allow passengers to walk directly into the venue during major events, making public transit a much more convenient option.

The hope is that more visitors will choose the train, helping reduce congestion on nearby roads during some of North County's busiest weekends.

Replacing a 100-Year-Old Railroad Bridge

The project also includes replacing the historic San Dieguito River railroad bridge, originally built in 1916.

The new bridge will:

• Carry two tracks instead of one.
• Be built higher to better withstand flooding and high tides.
• Improve reliability along one of California's busiest passenger rail corridors.

Doubling the track is especially important because it allows trains traveling in opposite directions to pass each other more efficiently, reducing delays for both COASTER and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service.

Why This Matters for North County

While the project won't eliminate traffic overnight, it's an important investment in North County's transportation infrastructure.

Every summer, thousands of people travel to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for:

• The San Diego County Fair
• Del Mar Thoroughbred Club horse racing
• Concerts and special events

Providing direct train access gives visitors another option besides driving and could help ease congestion over time.

The project is also part of the larger effort to improve the LOSSAN rail corridor, one of the busiest passenger rail routes in the country.

Looking Ahead

Construction is expected to start in early 2027, with completion anticipated around mid-2031. As with many large infrastructure projects, officials have noted that rising construction costs could push the total price beyond current estimates.

For North County residents, this is one of those projects that has been discussed for years. Seeing it fully funded is a significant milestone, even if the benefits are still a few years away.

Source: This post is based on reporting by the San Diego Union-Tribune and information released by SANDAG regarding the San Dieguito Double Track Project. For additional project details, visit the official SANDAG project page: San Dieguito Double Track Project.