HDR to Provide Environmental Clearance and Advanced Conceptual Engineering for SANDAG’s San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project
The San Diego Association of Governments selected HDR to lead the next phase of work on its critical San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project. HDR will lead the environmental clearance and advanced conceptual engineering. HDR has worked with SANDAG since 2020 on the San Diego Regional Rail Alternatives Analysis and Conceptual Engineering Study that set the groundwork for the realignment.
HDR, partnering with Mott MacDonald and several other firms including small businesses, will work with SANDAG to complete the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act processes in 2026 to support the goal of opening the relocated rail line by 2035.
“This project has been the highlight of my career, with a goal of creating solutions that benefit everyone involved,” said HDR Principal-in-Charge Rob Klovsky. “Not only is it a vital project that will keep our community connected to a national resource, but it’s also a crucial step towards addressing climate change. With the trust and leadership of SANDAG, I am confident that we can bring this project to fruition and keep our community connected.”
Within the city of Del Mar, the existing single track sits atop coastal bluffs that are rapidly eroding and threatened by sea level rise. This project will relocate about 5 miles of the rail line inland. While a new double-track alignment will be constructed away from the bluffs, the project team is currently analyzing the best alternate track realignment strategy, including a tunnel portion between Los Penasquitos Lagoon and San Dieguito Lagoon. This project will enhance safety, reliability, and increase capacity along the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo, or LOSSAN, Rail Corridor.
The project will be the first on the LOSSAN Corridor designed to accommodate train speeds up to 110 mph, paving the way for future speed improvement projects on the corridor.
“This project is all about protecting a critical rail corridor and an economic lifeline for our region,” said HDR Project Manager Lorenzo Garrido. “I am excited to be part of delivering the long-term solution of relocating the tracks from the coastal bluffs that will be a lasting benefit for future generations.”
About HDR
For over a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 12,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future.
