Metrolink To Hold Public Meetings On Antelope Valley Line Capacity, Service Improvements Project

Metrolink is set to host a virtual meeting Thursday to discuss improvements to the Antelope Valley Line (AVL) through the Santa Clarita Valley, — which could once again increase train service in and out of the Valley.

The City of Santa Clarita is working with Metrolink to enhance the AVL, which connects Los Angeles Union Station and Lancaster and passes through the heart of Santa Clarita.

The 76.6-mile-long AVL has the third-highest ridership in Metrolink’s system with an estimated average of 9,000 passengers daily, according to officials.

“However, the uneven terrain and single-tracking along the line in some areas forces trains to travel at a slower speed which results in an estimated travel time of approximately one hour between Santa Clarita and Union Station, officials said.

In an effort to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the AVL, Metrolink is in the process of designing and constructing the AVL Capacity and Service Improvements Project .

The proposed improvements will increase service frequency and overall reliability along the AVL commuter rail corridor meeting the mobility needs of residents, employees and visitors throughout the region.  The result would be a 30-minute bi-directional service between Union Station and Santa Clarita, according to City officials.

“This project will make much-needed improvements on the Antelope Valley Line and I encourage residents and riders to advocate for greater funding to fully support construction of the project. The recently added trains and increased schedules have improved ridership by over 20 percent. This is our opportunity to advocate for adding weekend late-night trains,” said Santa Clarita Councilwoman Marsha McLean, chair of the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments.

In addition to adding more train service between Santa Clarita and Union Station, Metrolink is also planning on adding a second set of tracks over a mile long which would parallel the existing railroad in Canyon Country.

“The Canyon Siding Extension Project will extend the Saugus siding by adding approximately 8,400 feet of new track between Bouquet Canyon Road and Golden Oak,” Metrolink officials said. “The Project will include a second side-platform at the existing Santa Clarita Metrolink Station with a pedestrian underpass from the parking lot to allow passengers to access the new station platform. The design includes safety improvements at the Golden Oak intersection while providing the first Quiet Zone in the City of Santa Clarita.”

While the new infrastructure is expected to implement a “quiet zone” where trains would not use their horns at rail crossings, Metrolink officials say the City of Santa Clarita would have to submit applications for that to become a reality.

As of Thursday, officials were not able to confirm if those applications have been submitted. Currently, the proposed improvements have secured approximately half of the funding required for implementation.

The City of Santa Clarita continues to advocate that Metrolink, in partnership with Metro, prioritize the AVL Capacity and Service Improvements Project and secure the remaining funding needed to complete its construction.

There are two upcoming opportunities for members of the public to address Metrolink officials on the AVL improvements.

A virtual public meeting will be held on April 18, 2024, from 5 to 6 p.m., for more information click here .

Additionally, a public hearing will be held during the Metrolink Board of Directors Meeting on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 10 a.m.

For more information on that meeting, click here . For more information on the AVL Capacity and Service Improvements Project click here .

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