Most Frequently Asked Questions

The Project

• Project Description & Benefits
• Project Accomplishments
• Most Frequently Asked Questions
• Organization
• Detailed Project Map
• Safety and Mobility Improvements - Jump Start Program
• Phasing & Schedule
• Project Budget
• Funding Commitments
• Financial Information
• Salary Positions and Ranges

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 unincorporated Los Angeles County, established the Alameda Corridor-East (ACE) Construction Authority to complete a significant goods movement infrastructure construction program in the San Gabriel Valley. The ACE Project consists of multiple construction projects including center median and crossing arm improvements, traffic signalization, and grade separation projects along two 35-mile freight rail mainline routes from downtown Los Angeles through the San Gabriel Valley to San Bernardino County.

The ACE Construction Authority has secured more than $1 billion in federal, state and local funds for the ACE Project. Construction of the Jump Start safety enhancements at 39 at-grade crossings was completed in 2004. Construction of 14 rail-roadway grade separations in Phase I has been completed or is underway. Another five grade separation projects are in design and concept plans have been developed for the remaining three projects. ACE Construction Authority will continue to pursue existing and proposed Federal, State and local funding opportunities. The ACE Project is part of a larger transportation corridor known as the Alameda Corridor-East (ACE) Trade Corridor, which stretches through San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties.

Why do we need the ACE Project?

Southern California’s San Pedro Bay ports are the nation’s busiest, handling 44 percent of the country’s containerized imports, 90 percent of California’s imports and 75 percent of its exports. Nearly 60 percent of the containers travel inland by freight rail along the ACE Trade Corridor to and from destinations across the country.

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%.

Who's in charge of the ACE Project?

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) established the ACE Construction Authority in 1998 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 comes from federal and state gas tax and other transportation funds, state Proposition 1B transportation bonds approved by the voters in 2006, Los Angeles County Prop C and Measure R sales tax revenues and other local funds, and a railroad contribution from the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), typically of less than 5 percent.

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?

ACE construction is being planned and scheduled to maintain customer access to local businesses wherever possible. Contractors will also be required to submit traffic control plans to minimize traffic impacts during peak use periods (commute hours).

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 works with each city along the construction corridor to maintain project updates and uses 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.