Panelists from the California Infrastructure Symposium's “Transportation – Making the Connection (High Speed Rail – LA to Vegas)” session pose together on the first day of the conference.
From left: Christina Byrne (director of industry relations and strategic engagement, HTNB), Matthew Burris (deputy city manager, City of Rancho Cucamonga), Justin Fornelli (chief of program delivery, Metrolink), Carrie Schindler (deputy executive director, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority) and Jim Van Wormer (senior project director, HTNB, representing Brightline).
Metrolink is taking an active role in shaping Southern California’s transportation future by collaborating on exciting new connections as well as upgrading essential infrastructure. Along the coast, a major bridge replacement is underway, improving safety and reliability through a high-volume corridor. Metrolink leaders are also engaging with industry partners to open up new travel opportunities for the region.
Fornelli Talks Trains and Transformation at California Infrastructure Symposium
Metrolink Chief of Program Delivery Justin Fornelli recently joined a panel at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) California Infrastructure Symposium, held April 24-25 in Long Beach, to discuss the regional impact of Brightline West High-Speed Rail’s impending connection to Los Angeles via Rancho Cucamonga. The Brightline West route will feature a flagship station in Las Vegas and additional stops in Apple Valley, Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga, where it will connect to the Metrolink system. The discussion highlighted the challenges of delivering this 218-mile corridor through diverse terrain and communities while navigating the complexities of public-private collaboration and an ambitious project timeline.
Justin shared how Metrolink’s embrace of pulse, or ‘clock-faced,’ scheduling will create reliable, timed transfers to Brightline West. The improved coordination is expected to boost ridership and provide a faster, more seamless option for customers.
The discussion also underscored the critical partnership among Brightline, Metrolink, SBCTA and the City of Rancho Cucamonga, while highlighting how the benefits of this project will extend beyond interstate travelers. For instance, in the High Desert, the Apple Valley station will offer residents a much-needed alternative to the traffic-heavy Cajon Pass, connecting them directly to Southern California’s broader transportation network.
FlatironDragados crew members work to construct a new three-span girder bridge in San Juan Capistrano.
Bridge Work Strengthens Network Resilience, Capacity Through Coastal Rail Corridor
Metrolink and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) are working together to replace the 100-year-old railroad bridge over San Juan Creek in San Juan Capistrano. Originally built in 1917, the aging structure has needed regular inspections and repairs to stay in service. To improve reliability and meet today’s safety and capacity needs, Metrolink’s program delivery team is moving forward with a long-term solution.
A new three-span steel girder bridge is under construction just west of the current bridge, along a realigned section of track. Once complete, all train service—including Metrolink, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, and freight—will shift to the new structure. The existing bridge will then be removed, and a new foundation will be installed in its place to support a possible future second bridge over the creek channel.
Work on the new structure is being led by FlatironDragados and began in March 2024. Construction in San Juan Creek is limited to the dry season, from April to September, to meet environmental requirements. Crews have already installed deep foundation piles and retaining walls to prepare for the new alignment. Most project components are expected to be completed this year, with the transition to the new bridge and track alignment planned for early 2026. Demolition of the old bridge and construction of the second bridge foundation will follow later in the year.