City of Sacramento awarded $4 million grant to complete active transportation link to Railyards District
Sacramento (Oct. 25, 2024) - The City of Sacramento has been awarded $4 million in funding from the California State Transportation Agency’s “Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program” (TIRCP) to fill a gap in the City’s active transportation network, connecting the growing Railyards District to Sacramento Valley Station (SVS).
As part of a regional partnership led by Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, the awarded funds will support the Sacramento Valley Station – Railyards Western Connector project, extending Bercut Drive to meet the SVS Westside Tunnel, a long-awaited connection 12 years in the making.
“The Westside Tunnel was completed in 2012 with the construction of the new SVS passenger platforms and has remained closed due to the lack of infrastructure north of the rail tracks,” said Greg Taylor, project manager with the City’s Department of Public Works. “With this latest funding, the Bercut Drive extension will provide the necessary bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, completing the connection and providing layover facilities for Sacramento Regional Transit buses serving the Railyards and the future Kaiser Medical Campus.”
The Western Connector project is an integral part of the City’s larger transit vision, building upon the Phase 1 Track Relocation project that established new passenger platforms in 2012. The connector will serve as a key link for the future Regional Bus Mobility Hub at SVS, expanding both local and regional access to the state’s passenger rail system.
“The allocation of this $4 million grant marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to transform Sacramento into a model of sustainable urban living,” said Mayor Steinberg. “Through the Sacramento Valley Station – Railyards Western Connector project, we are not only enhancing access to existing infrastructure but also paving the way for future developments.”
Prior to this award, the City secured over $72 million in TIRCP funding for various site improvement projects at SVS and related off-site developments. Current projects include:
Regional Bus Mobility Hub: An 18-birth bus facility with parking and bike infrastructure.
New Pick-up/Drop-off Access: Close access to the passenger tunnel entrance.
SVS-Railyards Central Shop Plaza Access: New northern entrance to the SVS passenger tunnel from the historic Central Shops.
H Street Cycle Track: New separated bike facilities linking H Street to SVS.
Regional Commuter Bus Stops: New stops in Sacramento’s Central City connecting to SVS.
SVS Storm Water Main Line: Supporting transit facility and future on-site development.
Westside Access Study: Exploring the relocation of the northbound I Street ramp and extension of Third Street to SVS.
The Western Connector will link Old Sacramento to new developments in the Railyards for pedestrians, cyclists, and potentially electric shuttles, providing greater access between the Railyards, Sacramento Waterfront, and the Downtown Commons. Ultimately, this connection will pave the way to the Sacramento Valley Station District, envisioned as a vibrant hub of activity.
This project will also leverage a $30 million State Parks grant, which is funding major road and underground infrastructure in the area. Officials note that aligning the timing of the Bercut Drive extension with the State Parks work will unlock development potential in the 218-acre Railyards area, setting the stage for new housing, entertainment, and cultural venues as Sacramento’s urban core expands.
