A project to expand Metrolink service via the Perris Valley Line in Riverside County received $25 million in state funds, covering almost half of the cost of the build-out, it was announced Thursday.
The California State Transportation Agency said that the disbursal is part of the latest round of grant awards under the Transit & Intercity Rail Capital Program, which resulted in almost $800 million being earmarked for 23 projects statewide, including the Perris Valley Line.
“The investments being made will improve rail mobility and access … and bring greater overall system reliability for Metrolink,” according to a statement attached to the Riverside County grant.
The allotment to the Southern California Regional Rail Authority — Metrolink — is intended to cover about 44% of the budget for the Perris Valley Line Capacity Improvement Project, which is expected to cost $57 million.
Plans call for construction of a double track line extending nearly three miles.
The current single line causes congestion and limits the number of trains that can come and go at any given time to transport riders, according to officials.
The project will also entail upgrades to service platforms near March Air Reserve Base and the South Station in Perris.
“Delivery of the improvements will bring reliable, bi-directional 30-minute service to the 91 Freeway/Perris Valley Line corridor,” according to Metrolink.
The 24-mile Perris Valley Line runs from downtown Riverside to the northern edge of Menifee, paralleling Interstate 215. It opened in June 2016, following two years of construction.
CalSTA grants are drawn from SB 1 Road Repair & Accountability Act revenue, derived from gas taxes, and cap-and-trade revenue.