City of El Monte
Ramona Boulevard Grade Separation Fact Sheet

The completed Grade Separation. Viewing looking northeast on Ramona Blvd. toward railroad bridge

Project Description
The Ramona Boulevard Grade Separation Project lowered Ramona Boulevard approximately 26 feet beneath the existing railroad tracks. Two bridges were built to carry railroad traffic over the depressed Ramona Boulevard, which includes pedestrian and motorist safety improvements and walkways with protective railing. The underpass opened to traffic on April 9, 2008.
Project Benefits
Construction of the $49.9 million Ramona Blvd. grade separation project began in January 2005. The project:     Eliminates the railroad crossing at Ramona Boulevard, which carries 18,400 vehicles per day and         where passing trains blocked traffic for 13 vehicle/hours per day     Increases truck freight velocity by eliminating bottleneck at railroad crossing    Provides bridge abutments for future track expansion; additional rail-line capacity will help absorb        freight growth and reduce diesel truck traffic    Removes an estimated 29 vehicle/hours per day of delay caused by increased train traffic blocking        the intersection by 2020       Eliminates the dangers of collisions between trains and vehicles    Reduces pollution caused by idling cars and trucks    Eliminates train horns and crossing alarms with removal of the grade crossing    Frees up formerly blighted properties for redevelopment    Increases storm drain capacity to reduce likelihood of street flooding    Subcontracted approximately 7% of project construction budget to disadvantaged businesses    Had 0 days lost due to injuries
If you have any questions or comments, please call the project Helpline at (888) ACE-1426. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!