Caltrans releases draft state rail plan

On Oct. 11, 2017, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) released a public draft of the California State Rail Plan, which Caltrans said outlines a new framework for California’s rail network. Caltrans said the rail plan sets the stage for new and better rail, and multimodal and community connections in the state for the next 20 years and beyond.

“The plan will guide the state’s priorities for rail investments that support California’s economy for future generations,” said Caltrans director Malcolm Dougherty. “Public feedback is critical to ensure that the strategies developed reflect the diverse needs of all communities throughout the state.”

Caltrans said it is seeking public input throughout the planning process to understand the public’s priorities for passenger and freight rail. The public comment period begins October 11, 2017, and ends December 11, 2017. Caltrans will also hold multiple public workshops throughout the state, and it will host a webinar.

For more information about the plan, the public comment period or to post a comment online, visit http://bit.ly/2g5eBc5.