Dr. Ruiz Delivers $2.8 M Infrastructure Award to Improve Pass Area Railway Safety, Prevent Congestion Caused by Train Traffic  

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) announced $2.8 million in federal funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund the Hargrave Grade Separation Planning Project in Banning, Calif.   

Last year, a stopped Union Pacific train blocked three intersections in Beaumont, Calif. for more than six hours, resulting in severe traffic congestion and hazardous conditions for Pass Area drivers. Following the incident, Dr. Ruiz wrote to Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg advocating for the Department to invest in the Hargrave Grade Separation Planning Project to lay the groundwork for a significant transportation infrastructure project that will separate motor vehicle traffic from railroad crossings at a critical interchange. Today’s announcement will go toward development activities that will improve safety for motorists and pedestrians and address congestion caused by train traffic along Hargrave Street, which crosses under the elevated I-10 corridor along Union Pacific Railroad tracks.  

“The safety of my constituents is my top priority,” said Dr. Ruiz. “Last year’s Union Pacific train stoppage in Beaumont caused severe delays for commuters and first responders and demonstrated a serious need for upgrades to Pass Area infrastructure. I am excited to help deliver this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Banning that will make our roads safer for local families, reduce congestion for commuters, and prevent massive traffic blockages caused by train traffic in the Pass Area.”  

“The Hargrave Grade Separation project is a critical piece of the City’s infrastructure needs,” said Banning City Manager Doug Schulze. “Completion of this project will not only improve traffic congestion and emergency response in Banning but throughout the Pass Area. We are grateful for Congressman Ruiz’s continued support and advocacy for our community public safety needs.” 

BACKGROUND 

Today’s funding announcement is part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America initiative. In total, the FRA announced over $570 million in funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 63 projects in 32 states to improve highway-rail and pathway-rail safety. This announcement included seven projects in the State of California.  

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the largest investment in the nation’s infrastructure in generations. To date, the law has invested in over 32,000 projects nationwide, ranging from repaving roads and water system upgrades. Last Congress, Dr. Ruiz voted for the legislation and advocated in support of the bill in his capacity as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Since the Union Pacific train incident last year, Dr. Ruiz has worked to prevent such a crisis from occurring again. After demanding answers from Union Pacific, the Congressman has routinely met with railroad company officials and local leaders to discuss prevention measures and infrastructure improvements.  

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