Valley Boulevard Multimodal Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) – Rail Trench Feasibility

The City of Los Angeles initiated a design study to transform the Valley Boulevard corridor into a safer, more connected multimodal corridor serving key employment, education, healthcare, and recreational destinations. A central challenge was that Valley Boulevard runs adjacent to an active freight rail line, creating safety, connectivity, and land use constraints.

Zephyr Rail led the feasibility evaluation of a trench alternative for the rail alignment. The concept explored lowering the active freight rail line below grade to improve corridor connectivity, enhance safety, and create new opportunities for public space and multimodal integration.

Our Approach

Zephyr Rail combined rail engineering expertise with advanced remote sensing technology to support the City’s decision-making process. Our work included:

• Evaluating the feasibility of lowering the active freight rail alignment
• Assessing operational and constructability considerations adjacent to a functioning rail corridor
• Analyzing mobility, safety, and connectivity impacts across the broader Valley Boulevard corridor
• Capturing real-time traffic and corridor performance data using high-resolution aerial mapping

By leveraging remote sensing, Zephyr Rail generated accurate, corridor-wide data while minimizing disruption to rail operations and surrounding neighborhoods.

Project Impact

• Delivered data-driven analysis to inform City decision-makers
• Identified key rail coordination and constructability considerations
• Quantified potential safety and connectivity improvements
• Supported evaluation of public space expansion and greenway opportunities above or adjacent to the lowered rail alignment

The study provided the Bureau of Engineering with a clear framework to evaluate long-term corridor improvements that balance rail operations, community connectivity, and urban revitalization.