Metrolink certifies Final EIR for Simi Valley Double Track project

The Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for Metrolink’s Simi Valley Double Track project has been certified by the board of directors.  

The project is designed to increase train capacity on Metrolink’s Ventura County Line and the existing Simi Valley Station. The FEIR can be read on Metrolink’s website. 

Preparation of the FEIR complied with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A Draft EIR was distributed to interested agencies, stakeholder organizations and individuals for review and comment for a 45-day public review and comment period that began on March 18, 2021, and ended on May 2, 2021. Comments received during this time were addressed in the FEIR. 

The Simi Valley Double Track Project is located on a 2.2-mile segment of the Ventura County Line within the city of Simi Valley between Sequoia Avenue on the west to Hidden Ranch Drive on the east. This project will enable more frequent service in each direction, improved service reliability and on-time performance, in addition to providing safety improvements to five at-grade crossings which will make them Quiet Zone Ready. Improvements will also include new platform access with an underpass crossing that will create a more convenient and safer walkway for pedestrians. 

This project is part of Metrolink’s 10-year, $10 billion Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Program. SCORE is a capital improvement program to upgrade rail infrastructure enabling bi-directional service every 30 minutes throughout the day.  

In addition to increasing capacity, SCORE initiatives will modernize signaling, grade crossings and other safety enhancements that will allow cities to apply for Quiet Zones. SCORE improvements are projected to result in reduced commute times and better air quality. 

All funded SCORE projects are due to be completed prior to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

A 2019 study by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation projected SCORE benefits to Southern California to be long-lasting by generating 1.3 million new jobs and increasing the gross regional product by $684 billion through 2050. 

Metrolink has received $2.3 billion to fund SCORE projects to date.