Residents throughout the San Diego region will be negatively affected by SANDAG's decision to re-route the LOSSAN train tracks from their current location just a few feet from the edge of the crumbling bluffs above the beach in Del Mar, into a $4 billion tunnel directly underneath the entire city of Del Mar. Alternative routes along the I-5 corridor should be considered instead.  

The Coalition for Safer Trains (https://safertrain.org/ is calling upon the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to reconsider their plans to demolish 7-10 acres of land a block from the center of town to build a north portal, including displacing 35-50 families from their homes via eminent domain, to construct a tunnel for high-speed passenger and freight trains under the entire town of Del Mar. The other SANDAG option is to double track the eroding bluffs. This destruction cannot happen, to the already fragile bluffs which are eroding 6” annually. This will also take homes by eminent domain. We cannot let SANDAG destroy the bluffs and beaches. 

SANDAG also proposes to take 7-10 acres of land and demolish homes for the southern portal as well.  

 We unequivocally reject the idea of freight trains carrying toxic chemicals and other hazardous materials traveling under our town or any other densely populated areas in the region because of the increased risk of environmental catastrophe. We, therefore, urgently call for SANDAG to reconsider this route and propose one that prioritizes public safety and wellbeing. The alternative I-5 alignment options proposed by the Coalition for Safer Trains offer the potential for improved public safety, protection of the coastal environment, and less demolition and destruction of the homes and businesses in the town of Del Mar.  

The criteria SANDAG uses to make this decision will be applied to every community the train traverses in the San Diego region. No community feels safe with a train running under their homes. Your signature can influence SANDAG’s decision and make a difference.  Please sign the petition now.