Courtesy photos.
SIMI VALLEY — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced this morning at the Metrolink Station in Simi Valley that $4.5 million in funding was secured in the 2022/2023 State Budget for local improvements. The funding will allow completion of safety enhancements at the one remaining rail crossing that was not part of a previously approved and funded Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Project.
“With this funding, trains passing through Simi Valley will no longer have to blow their horns creating a “Quiet Zone” while also improving safety,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “I am glad I was able to secure this funding for our community that will ensure that the safety of the public is prioritized and businesses and residents living adjacent to the tracks will no longer be disturbed by the sounding of train horns.”
The safety enhancements at the intersection of Los Angeles Ave. and Sequoia Ave. will allow the City to apply for a “Quiet Zone” designation that, if granted, would allow trains to pass through the intersection without having to sound its horn, a federal safety requirement for unprotected intersections meant to warn drivers and pedestrians of an approaching train. The “Quiet Zone” designation would not only provide additional safety features but will also increase service and make existing train service more reliable for the residents of Ventura County.
City officials from Simi Valley along with representatives from Metrolink and the Ventura Transportation Commission were also on hand for the announcement.
“The City is grateful to Assemblywoman Irwin for her support and advocacy to obtain these funds to improve the safety of the Sequoia grade rail crossing for the residents of Simi Valley,” said Simi Valley Mayor Keith Mashburn.
“This great partnership between Metrolink and the City of Simi Valley made possible by Assemblymember Irwin will advance our shared efforts to increase safety and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle. “I thank Assemblymember Irwin for her early action to secure funding and improve Metrolink service in the 42nd Assembly District.”
“On behalf of the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Assemblymember Irwin for her work to secure funding for this important project,” said Tony Trembley, Camarillo City Council member and VCTC Chairman. “Safety is a top priority for VCTC, and the rail-crossing improvements included in this project will make the area safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and rail travelers. These improvements will reduce delays for passenger and freight rail service, as well as for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Further, this project will enhance the quality of life for Simi Valley residents by supporting the implementation of the quiet zone.”
Assemblymember Irwin’s website: https://a42.asmdc.org
— Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin represents California’s 42nd Assembly District, which includes portions of both Ventura and Los Angeles Counties; including all of Agoura Hills, Bel Air, Beverly Glen, Brentwood, Casa Conejo, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Lake Sherwood, Malibu, Moorpark, Oak Park, Pacific Palisades, Santa Susana, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Topanga, Westlake Village, and portions of Camarillo.