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Dorian Hargrove

Dorian Hargrove is a Reader contributor. See staff page for published articles.

North County Transit Confounded by Photo of Del Martians

The following was written by Del Mar City Councilmember Carl Hilliard: Helen and Richard Nielsen-Eckfield want a permanent Del Mar train platform right now. They are not open to an interim temporary one, which would provide traffic relief in the area, especially during vehicle-intense times, such as the Del Mar Fair and the horseracing season. But you already know that because Helen and Richard are relentless in their pursuit of what they want – to the point of bombarding the public with inaccurate information to support their side of the platform debate. Their point #1: The prosperous Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) is against a permanent stop because the club would have to contribute a substantial amount for the stop or lose out on additional racing weeks. The DMTC is an incorporated nonprofit organization. Any money it makes above annual expenses goes to the 22nd Agricultural Association. Not only does the DMTC not have available funds to contribute, but also none are necessary to “buy” additional racing time. Additional racing dates are decided upon and authorized by the California legislature. A train-stop requirement is not part of the legislature’s consideration. Their point #2: A single-track stop would work but North County Transit’s executive director, Matt Tucker, says it can’t be done. Matt Tucker and North County Transit’s chief rail engineer, Justin Fornelli, maintain that single-track stops create problems up and down the line. Fifty percent of the current rail line is single-track, while only two of the eight train stops are located on single-track, which were built years ago. It is no longer optimal to construct single-track stops. Their point #3: North County Transit is throwing away good money to refurbish the existing trestle. Southern California Edison is footing the bill to refurbish the existing trestle as part of the restoration of the San Dieguito Lagoon. Once the channel is deepened, the integrity of the trestle will be undermined. Additionally, the new bridge that will be part of the permanent track has to be much higher – mandated by new federal requirements concerning construction in a flood plain. One section of the track cannot be elevated more than a three percent grade, which is the maximum a heavy train can traverse. For that reason the entire section between Via de la Valle and Del Mar must be raised. Their point #4: Forget about adding any more racing days to Del Mar. The DMTC earns a million a day from racing, but isn’t willing to spend any money on a north- of-the-river stop. Their point #5: Adding racing days at Del Mar will only clog up I-5 with more traffic. Absolutely right! That’s why we need a temporary train stop now – to carry traffic until a permanent stop can be built that will satisfy engineering and governmental requirements.
— October 26, 2010 9:17 a.m.

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