Merced Intermodal Track Connection (MITC) Project

The Merced Intermodal Track Connection (MITC) Project includes a new track
connection from the BNSF corridor to the proposed integrated station in downtown
Merced between R and O Streets, in addition to a new platform, that will allow for a
cross-platform transfer between the San Joaquins and High-Speed Rail (HSR). The
Project only includes the construction of the track connection and the San Joaquins
platform; it does not include the construction of the rest of the integrated station.
The Project would consist of the following:

• New passenger rail connection for the San Joaquins from the BNSF north of
  State Route (SR) 59, running along the SR 59 corridor and immediately west of
  the ACE/Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) corridor, to the southern terminus at the
  proposed integrated station;
• Shifting ACE/UPRR spur track that accesses industrial area north of SR 59;
• New aerial guideway on the west side of the ACE/UPRR corridor that would
  connect into the east side of the HSR platform (which would be shared with the
  San Joaquins); and
• Modification of the approved ACE Merced Layover and Maintenance Facility (ACE Ceres-Merced Extension EIR, 2021), including upgraded tracks for San Joaquins trains to access the facility, use of the facility by ACE and San Joaquins trains, and space within the facility for additional maintenance equipment and parking. The footprint of the facility will not be expanded.

California High-Speed Rail Authority is planning to initiate service on the Merced to Bakersfield HSR Early Operating Segment by 2030-2033 and to extend the HSR service to the Bay Area after 2030-2033 (referred to as Silicon Valley to Central Valley HSR). When the Merced to Bakersfield HSR Early Operating Segment is operational, the San Joaquins passenger rail service between Merced and Bakersfield would be replaced by the HSR service and the SJJPA would terminate the San Joaquins intercity rail service in Merced. HSR will provide faster, more reliable, and more frequent service than the San Joaquins currently provides between Merced and Bakersfield.

Implementing the Project would allow direct transfers from San Joaquins service to HSR at the proposed integrated station in downtown Merced. The San Joaquins would offer intercity service between the San Francisco Bay Area (Bay Area)/Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Valley. The Project would provide a cross-platform transfer between the San Joaquins and HSR for passengers traveling between the Bay Area/Sacramento and Madera/ Fresno/ Kings/ Tulare/ Bakersfield/Southern California (via Thruway bus connection).

The Project is the critical link between the San Joaquins service and HSR service, allowing the San Joaquin's Intercity Rail and ACE to connect to the future HSR. The Project is a crucial piece to the overall vision of megaregional rail in Northern California.