Mid-Coast Corridor Projects

Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project is a $1.5 billion CM/GC initiative extending SANDAG’s light rail system 11 miles north to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) campus.  

Stacy Witbeck served as the managing joint venture partner for Mid Coast Transit Constructors (MCTC), overseeing the design, construction, and integration of this major regional transit expansion. 

The extension provides critical transit access to UCSD, adjacent communities, and regional destinations while enhancing connectivity within San Diego’s growing transportation network. 

Need

The Mid-Coast Corridor addresses the increasing demand for reliable, high-capacity transit along one of Southern California’s busiest corridors. Seven miles of the extension traverse a shared corridor with LOSSAN commuter and freight rail—the second busiest intercity rail line in the country, necessitating careful coordination and innovative construction approaches. 

The project improves mobility, reduces congestion, and connects nine new stations to the broader light rail network, supporting sustainable transportation options for residents, students, and commuters. 

Work 

The project scope included: 

• Construction of 25 miles of ballasted track and 23 bridge structures, including nine heavy rail bridges and a long flyover over active freight and commuter rail lines. 
• Development of nine new light rail stations with associated pedestrian, transit, and parking infrastructure. 
• Installation of traction power, overhead catenary systems (OCS), signals, and communications systems. 
• Roadwork, retaining walls, culvert extensions under active track, and deep foundation construction. 
• Relocation of utilities, including a US Navy fuel line, and coordination with third-party, public, and private utility providers. 
• Testing, startup, and integration with existing rail operations to ensure seamless service.

Impact 

• Expands light rail to connect the UCSD campus and northern communities to downtown San Diego and regional destinations. 
• Enhances multimodal transit options, reduces vehicular congestion, and supports sustainable mobility.  
• Provides safe, efficient, and reliable transit, the project improves quality of life for commuters and strengthens the city’s transportation infrastructure.

Collaboration

Close coordination was critical given the project’s shared corridor with LOSSAN’s rail line. MCTC worked alongside rail operators, utility agencies, and public stakeholders to maintain uninterrupted rail operations while delivering complex infrastructure. Joint planning, scheduling, and communication ensured that construction sequencing, bridge installation, and utility relocations proceeded without disruption. 

Innovations 

• Integrated construction sequencing to maintain operations on one of the nation’s busiest rail corridors. 
• Executed complex bridge and flyover construction over active rail lines with minimal disruption. 
• Relocated critical utilities, including a US Navy fuel line, without impacting ongoing operations. 
• Installed traction power, OCS, signals, and communications systems alongside heavy civil work. 
• Coordinated extensive third-party, public, and private stakeholder engagement to ensure schedule adherence and operational safety.

Awards  

• 2022 APWA San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter Project of the Year