Why This Railroad Crossing Near Petco Park Costs More Than $20M | Jennifer Van Grove

A long-delayed effort to let motorists cross the railroad tracks separating Park Boulevard from Harbor Drive just south of downtown San Diego’s Petco Park stadium will be fully funded thanks to the state of California, which is directing $21 million to the project. Friday, State Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) announced the major financial commitment to the Park Boulevard at-grade vehicle crossing project alongside other one-time budgetary allocations for the region, including nearly $9 million for Balboa Park projects and $6.1 million to help stabilize Del Mar bluffs. The bonus checks are included in the state’s $214.8 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, which was passed by the California Legislature last week and includes a $21.5 billion surplus. The state’s $21 million infrastructure investment represents a tangible path forward for the $23 million railroad crossing project that has become exponentially more expensive over time.