Jacobs Chosen for Major Rail Infrastructure Improvements in Southern California

Jacobs Selected to Lead Southern California Rail Infrastructure Upgrade

In a significant development for Southern California's rail infrastructure, Jacobs has been appointed by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to manage the crucial construction of the San Dieguito Lagoon Double Track and Special Events Platform project. This ambitious undertaking aims to enhance both capacity and reliability along the Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Corridor, a vital link that accommodates over 150 daily passenger trains. The LOSSSAN Corridor is not only the region’s sole rail connection but also one of the busiest in the nation.

The project involves the improvement of 2.1 miles of track, featuring the addition of a new double track designed to eliminate a major bottleneck situated between Solana Beach and the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This enhancement is poised to alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate better access to these locations, especially during significant events, thereby boosting regional connectivity.

Jacobs' Executive Vice President, Eva Wood, commented on the importance of this investment: “This investment strengthens the only rail connection between San Diego and the rest of Southern California. With added track and a new platform, we're enabling more reliable service, reducing delays, and supporting a cleaner, more connected future for the region.”

As part of the upgrade initiatives, Jacobs will also oversee the replacement of the century-old San Dieguito Lagoon bridge, reinforcing its resilience to climate change impacts. Moreover, enhancements will be made to turnouts, signals, communications, and drainage systems, all of which are geared towards improving overall operational efficiency.

Jacobs, ranked No. 2 in Transportation by Engineering News-Record, has a history of delivering comprehensive transportation solutions across various modalities—whether by road, rail, sea, or even underground. Examples include their work on projects like Grand Central Madison, New York’s busiest commuter railroad, and the Elizabeth Line, a major enhancement to London’s transport infrastructure in decades. These innovative contributions reflect Jacobs' commitment to solving complex challenges in mobility, safety, and efficiency.

Through this project, Jacobs aims not only to foster mobility improvements but also to contribute to the creation of more sustainable solutions for urban transit challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a workforce of nearly 43,000, Jacobs is dedicated to developing end-to-end services across sectors including advanced manufacturing, energy, environmental management, and life sciences.

Looking ahead, Jacobs continues to embrace the ethos of challenging today to reinvent tomorrow. They dedicate themselves to delivering outcomes that not only meet the current demands of infrastructure but also set a foundation for future growth and sustainability across communities.

For more insights into Jacobs’ extensive projects and capabilities, you can visit their official website at jacobs.com and follow them on various social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook.

This transformative infrastructure project represents a stride towards improving the overall quality of rail service in Southern California, ultimately working towards a more connected and efficient transportation future.