Most Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACE Project?
The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), a joint powers authority comprised of 31 cities serving 1.9 million residents of the San Gabriel Valley, and Los Angeles County created the Alameda Corridor-East (ACE) Construction Authority to implement a significant transportation infrastructure program in the San Gabriel Valley. The ACE Project extends for 35 miles along two rail lines from downtown Los Angeles through the San Gabriel Valley to San Bernardino County.
The ACE Project consists of multiple construction projects including median improvements, traffic signalization, and grade separations. ACE has completed Jump Start safety improvements at 39 crossings as well as seven grade separation projects at Nogales Street in the Cities of Industry and West Covina, Ramona Boulevard in El Monte, Reservoir Street and East End Avenue in Pomona, Brea Canyon Road in the Cities of Diamond Bar and Industry, and the Sunset Avenue and Orange Avenue in the City of Industry. Construction is funded or underway for another four grade separation projects to eliminate railway/roadway crossings. The remaining 10 grade separations are pending funding. The ACE Project is part of a larger transportation corridor known as the Alameda Corridor-East Trade Corridor, which also stretches through San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange Counties.
Why do we need the ACE Project?
Without ACE, increased rail traffic will add to congestion throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The Alameda Corridor Project opened in 2002 and was designed to speed rail traffic between the ports and downtown Los Angeles. It allows for more freight to move from the ports, through the Valley and across the country. The ACE Project is intended to relieve traffic congestion in the San Gabriel Valley caused by longer and more frequent freight traffic. Studies show that without the ACE Project, traffic delays at crossings will increase by 300%. The ACE Project will also increase safety around rail crossings, improve traffic mobility, and ensure continued economic vitality in the San Gabriel Valley.Who's in charge of the ACE Project?
The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) created a joint powers authority to oversee the construction and administration of the ACE Project. The ACE Board is comprised of elected officials representing the cities most directly impacted by construction. Municipalities represented on the ACE Board include: San Gabriel, El Monte, Montebello, Industry, Pomona, LA County, SGVCOG and an ex-officio representative from the San Bernardino Associated Governments.Who’s paying for ACE?
Funding for ACE is coming from federal and state gas tax funds. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is contributing Prop C and Measure R sales tax revenues. The Union Pacific Railroad will also contribute 5%. No city funds are being used.Will there be any takings of private property?
Yes. Some homes and businesses must be acquired in order to construct grade separations. All affected property owners will be compensated at fair market value for their property in accordance with state and federal law. In addition, relocation assistance will be provided to occupants to minimize the impact of relocation.Will ACE construction prevent customers from getting to local businesses?
Yes. Some homes and businesses must be acquired in order to construct grade separations. All affected property owners will be compensated at fair market value for their property in accordance with state and federal law. In addition, relocation assistance will be provided to occupants to minimize the impact of relocation.How will ACE ensure that police, fire and ambulance services will be able to get through the construction zone?
Emergency response access is a key concern. ACE will work with each city along the construction corridor to maintain project updates and will use local police departments for traffic control where necessary during construction. In the event an intersection must be closed, ACE will coordinate alternate routes with the emergency agencies involved.There are a number of schools along the rail corridor. What measures are being taken to work with schools and students?
Safety is our number one concern. ACE’s outreach program will provide safety information on construction and rail operations at school assemblies. During construction, ACE will notify local schools about major construction activities in their vicinity.Where can I get more information?
You can obtain more information by visiting the ACE web site: www.theaceproject.org or by calling the ACE Project Helpline at 1-888-ACE-1426.
The ACE Project enjoys unanimous, bipartisan support from local, state and federal officials. For more information about the ACE project, please visit our website at: www.theaceproject.org or contact us at:
(888) ACE-1426.