Link21 Program awarded $11.3 million in new state funding to advance planning of second transbay train crossing
The Link21 program, which is envisioned in the California State Rail Plan, has been awarded $11.3 million by a state program that funds transformative transit and rail capital improvements to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, vehicle miles traveled, and congestion.
The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) announced on April 24, 2023 that the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) is awarding Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) project development funds for the Link21 program. The funding will be used for Design and Environment Advancement of the program, which includes a new transbay passenger rail crossing between Oakland and San Francisco.
“As one of only eight projects statewide awarded funding for project development, this award speaks volumes of the States recognition and support for Link21, reaffirming our partnership in development of this critical piece of our future rail network,” stated Bob Powers, Capitol Corridor Executive Director and BART General Manager.
Link21 is among several Northern California improvement projects to be awarded grant funding through TIRCP signaling the importance of planning for the future. CCJPA was awarded $30.8 million to continue delivering rail and transit solutions to growing communities along their route. Key Projects like the Sacramento Valley Station multi-modal access, the Hercules multi-modal transit facility, and Sacramento to Roseville third track Project will all provide Northern California residents with better options for mobility regardless of their reason for travel. Transbay Joint Powers Authority was awarded $60 million to further advance final design of the Downtown Rail Extension Project. Once constructed, this project will extend Caltrain service approximately two miles north to connect to the Salesforce Transit Center which is a key connection for the proposed Link21 new rail crossing. These projects, along with several other rail improvements planned by partner agencies, will unlock potential for easier movement throughout the Megaregion whether traveling longer distances or shorter distances within the core Bay Area.
The Link21 Program has been collaborating with regional transportation agencies and jurisdictions, and engaging communities across the 21-County Megaregion to identify potential rail solutions that create improved travel options that are better connected and reliable and more equitable. Planning is currently underway to identify concepts to advance the Link21 program into and through environmental review. This funding will support ongoing planning and community outreach efforts to improve future passenger experience, while promoting equity, livability, supporting our economy and preserving our environmental resiliency. To learn more, visit Link21Program.org