San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA)
Challenges
Laurel Street crosses six BNSF tracks at-grade in the City of Colton. To improve local traffic conditions and reduce air quality emissions, a grade separation was needed to separate vehicular traffic from rail. The Laurel Street Grade Separation proposed the construction of a bridge to separate vehicles and pedestrians on Laurel Street from six railroad tracks along the BNSF corridor.
Solutions
TRC led the structures task team during the planning and the design phases for this project. An underpass structure was proposed as an overhead structure was determined to extend beyond City intersections to the west and east of the at-grade crossing. Initially, a type selection study was conducted with BNSF in order to determine the construction sequence and the most economical structure type. In order to construct the underpass, three detour tracks were needed to maintain uninterrupted rail traffic and temporary shoring was needed to support those tracks.
During the type selection study, TRC compared the secant type abutment (top-down construction) to a cantilever type abutment (conventional bottom-up construction). The secant pile wall eliminated the need for deep excavation and tall shoring walls for the detour tracks.
We conducted a comparison and found the secant type wall to be more cost effective. As well in the study, TRC proposed and received approval from BNSF to use precast prestressed bulb-tee girders for the superstructure.
Benefits
This project has improved local traffic circulation, enhanced safety, and was part of several other projects intended to establish a Quiet Zone within the City. As part of the project team, TRC was responsible for the design of the railroad underpass to carry six BNSF rail tracks, in addition to a roadway bridge crossing Laurel Street. The project included local street improvements to maintain access to businesses, construction of retaining walls, utility relocations, drainage improvements, and landscaping. Design follows AREMA design code per BNSF requirements.
Aside from increased safety, the project also helped to meet the projected BNSF usage as the number of trains crossing Laurel Street is expected to double by the year 2035. Finally, the project has reduced train noise impacts to adjacent properties by eliminating the need for trains to blow their horns as they pass the former grade crossing.
Related Projects
Discover the success we’ve had with helping our clients execute major projects and make a meaningful impact on their local communities.
Strempel Road Street Reconstruction
Coalfields Expressway: West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH)
Oroville Dam Emergency Recovery, Oroville CA, California Department of Water Resources
Third Street Bridge Rehabilitation, San Francisco, CA
US 190 Mississippi River Bridge Rehabilitation, East Baton Rouge Parish, LA
Swamp Rabbit Trail Extension Greenville, SC Greenville County
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
Stay on Time and Budget: 5 Key Strategies to Avoid Transmission Line Delays
August 6, 2025
Transmission line projects are the backbone of a modern, reliable power grid—essential for unlocking renewable energy, meeting soaring demand, and keeping the lights on. Yet for utility managers, these builds are a high-stake balancing act.
Budgeting to Quality: Construction Project Mistakes & How to Fix Them
April 9, 2025
Managing a construction project is a challenging job that involves careful planning, coordination and problem-solving. Small mistakes cause delays, increase costs, or create safety issues. Learn more about how to avoid some of the most common mistakes in construction management so your projects stay on track and within budget.
The Power of Precision: Quality Control Tactics for Utility Construction Success
February 14, 2025
In today’s digital age, data centers form the backbone of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and the vast array of digital services we rely on daily. As the demand for data centers rises, companies are racing to expand these facilities.
The Importance of Effective Construction Management in Data Centers
January 7, 2025
In today’s digital age, data centers form the backbone of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and the vast array of digital services we rely on daily. As the demand for data centers rises, companies are racing to expand these facilities.
Planning for Construction Project Success: Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
September 19, 2024
Construction project planning and scheduling are critical but complex processes that can lead to delays, cost overruns and quality issues. Success requires proper stakeholder communication, resource management, safety prioritization, regulatory compliance and innovative tools and techniques throughout the project’s life, from start to completion.
The A.I. Interview: Chris Vincze, CEO and Chairman of TRC Companies
January 2, 2019
American Infrastructure sits down with TRC CEO Chris Vincze for this month’s featured interview. Vincze discusses the current infrastructure landscape, some recent TRC projects and the outlook for 2019.
TRC Acquires California Construction Management Firm Vali Cooper & Associates
June 26, 2018
LOWELL, Mass. – TRC, a leading provider of end-to-end engineering, consulting and construction management solutions fueled by innovative technology, announced today it has acquired Vali Cooper & Associates Inc., a top California infrastructure firm that manages transportation, water/wastewater, utility and facilities projects.