Drivers No Longer Delayed By Passing Trains At Imperial Highway

The newly constructed grade separation opened June 19
ANAHEIM – The new Imperial Highway bridge is open to drivers, bringing an end to a four-month detour and the need to stop for trains.
Separating Imperial Highway from the existing rail crossing at the Orangethorpe Avenue/Esperanza Road intersection enhances safety by improving pedestrian accessibility, alleviates traffic congestion and eliminates wait time for motorists caused by passing trains.
Drivers have had to wait for up to 100 trains to pass per day at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway crossing, with the majority of trains passing through the intersection during the morning commute period.
"It's no fun sitting at a rail crossing for what seems like forever wasting time and gas," said OCTA
Chairman Peter Buffa. "This project is one of a number that are planned across the county to speed up traffic by separating railroad tracks from roads, which becomes even more important as we expand our commuter rail network."
The southbound lanes of Imperial Highway, between Orangethorpe and La Palma avenues in Anaheim, closed in February to allow for the construction of the bridge. No further road closures are anticipated while the project heads toward completion in 2010.
Caltrans Deputy District Director, James Pinheiro, said “The feedback from the general public has been extremely positive for this project and they have been very patient with the ongoing construction. Their wait has definitely been worthwhile.”
The $90 million project is funded by local, state and federal dollars.