Call to Rip Up Rails Wrong for Del Mar and our Region

I have written two new white papers on the SANDAG Del Mar tunnel project. One is in response to the opinion piece in the Union-Tribune by Peter Cramton published on October 4, 2023. I have asked the U.T to run a slightly shorter version of my paper, but do not know if they will do […]

Tunnels, Del Mar, and SANDAG Responses to Questions

Recently I shared with you a white paper I wrote on the rail relocation and tunnel options in Del Mar. I updated it on October 6. You can read it here. Several of you asked me questions after reading the paper. I forwarded those to SANDAG. Here are SANDAG’s responses to your questions. Thanks to Danny […]

TUNNELS AND ALTERNATIVES: A White Paper from Dwight

Dear Friends,

I have written a white paper on the relocation of the rails off the eroding Del Mar bluff and into a tunnel somewhere between the ocean and I-5. I hope you find time to read it. This is an important project affecting all of us and we need our voices to be heard. You can find my white paper here.

Some highlights:

“The process to select a tunnel alignment is already underway, but there is time to have influence over where to locate a tunnel and how to mitigate its impacts. These are the issues on which Del Mar should focus.”

“The Tunnel is Essential. Without a tunnel, relocation of the rails off the bluff will not happen. . . . Relocation and a tunnel are inextricably connected. We should be supporting this effort while insisting that Del Mar’s input on the selection of a tunnel alignment be fully considered and the impacts to our town be studied, addressed, and fully mitigated.”

“Tunnels run through L.A. for its metro system including under homes, schools, and even under the Disney Performing Arts Center, without issues of noise, vibration, air pollution, earthquakes, or damage to private property.”

Read my white paper report to learn about my take on a strategy for success in addressing a tunnel, whether Del Mar should be afraid of a tunnel, the pros and cons of an I-5 alignment, the cost effectiveness of rail travel, and its importance to our climate goals, and more.

As your councilmember, your comments and feedback are important to me! The comments in this message and in the white paper reflect my personal views and not necessarily the views of the city of Del Mar.

Best to all,

Dwight