Orange Line Phase 1 Construction

The Orange Line Improvement Project, Phase 1, modernizes track, signal, and safety infrastructure on the San Diego Orange Line between the 32nd & Commercial Street Station and the El Cajon Transit Center. The phase runs from summer 2025 through fall 2026 as part of the broader Rail Ready Project, a multi-year effort to upgrade the corridor's aging infrastructure. Improvements include new track and signal systems, additional crossovers, and upgrades to 11 grade crossings. 

Need 

Much of the infrastructure along the Orange Line corridor has aged past its intended service life, limiting train speeds and creating recurring reliability and safety concerns. Modernizing the track, upgrading to powered switch machines, and adding modern crossovers address these constraints. 

Work

• Replace 6 miles of aging track and signal systems between 32nd & Commercial Street Station and El Cajon Transit Center 
• Install three new double crossovers with powered switch machines  
• Upgrade 11 grade crossings for improved safety 
• Coordinate multiple weekend-long track closures, impacting 1 to 3 stations at a time, with dedicated bus bridge service maintaining access to all stations throughout construction 

Impact  

Once complete, Phase 1 will minimize delays, improve schedule reliability, and allow for efficient operations along the corridor. New, more reliable equipment reduces maintenance and troubleshooting while standardizing signal alignment across the corridor. The upgrades enhance safety across the corridor while delivering community and environmental benefits for San Diegans who rely on the Orange Line and travel through the surrounding neighborhoods.  

Collaboration 

Stacy Witbeck partnered with Modern Railway Systems (MRS) as the dedicated subcontractor for signals work, with MRS field engineers, superintendents, and crews integrated directly into the project team.  

The project also includes among the first labor agreements signed directly with electricians, bringing them on to work as part of the project team rather than through a separate subcontractor.