The Valley Rail Project and Lodi
The Valley Rail project represents a transformative investment in passenger rail service that will significantly enhance transportation connectivity and options for Lodi residents and visitors. This rail expansion program will introduce new passenger rail service to Lodi while improving regional connectivity to Sacramento, the San Joaquin Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area. A recent update from Lodi City Council and Chair of San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Lisa Craig-Hensley suggests that the 2027 start date is optimistic and that the construction schedule is fluid. We’ll publish a new report when a schedule is available.
Enhanced Rail Connectivity
New Passenger Rail Station
The Valley Rail project will construct a brand-new passenger rail station in Lodi, strategically located along Highway 12 near Devries Road on the west side of town[11]. This modern transportation hub will feature a 30-foot-wide by 1,000-foot-long center platform, a pedestrian tunnel with ramps and stairs, surface parking for approximately 240 vehicles, three bus bays for transit connections, and comprehensive passenger amenities including shelters, lighting, security cameras, and bicycle storage facilities[11].
Dual Service Operations
The new Lodi station will serve both ACE (Altamont Corridor Express) and Amtrak San Joaquins services, providing residents with multiple daily passenger rail options[1]. This dual-service approach will offer Lodi passengers flexibility in scheduling and destinations, with trains operating between Sacramento and Merced via the Valley Rail extension. [1]
Improved Regional Access
Sacramento Connectivity
Valley Rail will provide direct passenger rail service between Lodi and Sacramento for the first time in decades, with passenger trains not having run regularly along this section of Union Pacific-owned tracks since 1970[20]. The project implements two new daily round-trips for Amtrak San Joaquins service to better connect San Joaquin Valley travelers with the Sacramento area[3].
Bay Area Access
Through ACE service extensions, Lodi residents will gain enhanced connectivity to the San Francisco Bay Area, with ACE trains continuing their existing route from Sacramento through Stockton to San Jose[1]. This provides a one-seat ride option for commuters traveling to Bay Area employment centers.
Central Valley Network
The Valley Rail project creates an integrated rail network connecting Lodi to key Central Valley destinations including Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Fresno, and Bakersfield[1]. This comprehensive connectivity serves over 30% of California's disadvantaged communities and improves geographic equity across the region[3].
Service Frequency and Reliability
Increased Daily Service
The Valley Rail program will add seven new daily round-trips across both ACE and San Joaquins services[1]. For Lodi specifically, this represents a significant increase in passenger rail frequency compared to current limited options, where only one daily Amtrak San Joaquins train currently serves the Sacramento-to-Lodi corridor[14].
Pulsed Service Approach
The project employs a pulsed-service approach, which provides more efficient operations and better utilization of infrastructure [19]. This scheduling strategy will offer regular, predictable service times that facilitate connections between different transportation modes and improve overall system reliability.
Local Transit Integration
GrapeLine Connections
The new Valley Rail station will integrate with Lodi's existing GrapeLine bus system, which will provide service from Downtown Lodi to the new ACE station near Flag City three times daily[6]. This connection is projected to increase GrapeLine ridership by 5,300 trips annually[6].
Multimodal Transportation Hub
The station design includes three bus bays specifically to facilitate connections with local and regional bus services[11]. This multimodal approach ensures seamless transfers between rail and bus services, extending the reach of passenger rail service throughout the Lodi area.
Environmental and Health Benefits
Emissions Reductions
Valley Rail is expected to reduce vehicle miles traveled by approximately 88.4 million miles annually, leading to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions[1]. The project will convert the entire fleet, including thruway bus networks, to renewable diesel fuel, providing additional environmental benefits across 449 existing track miles and 119 proposed expanded track miles[3].
Air Quality Improvements
The project will contribute to improved regional air quality by encouraging modal shift from automobiles to public transit for long-distance commute and intercity trips[18]. Based on forecasted ridership, the Valley Rail Sacramento Extension is expected to result in an annual vehicle miles traveled reduction of approximately 65.2 million miles when completed[18].
Economic Development Opportunities
Tourism Enhancement
The Lodi station serves a key catchment area in northern San Joaquin County and is strategically centered in the heart of local wine country, making it potentially attractive for tourism[11]. This positioning could boost Lodi's wine tourism industry by providing easier access for visitors from Sacramento and the Bay Area.
Job Creation and Economic Activity
While specific job creation numbers for Lodi are not detailed, similar rail projects in California have generated substantial economic benefits. The broader Valley Rail program is part of California's strategy to create jobs and economic opportunities in disadvantaged communities throughout the Central Valley[21].
Timeline and Implementation
Construction Schedule
The Lodi station is tentatively scheduled to open in 2027, that date is likely to change. Current work is focusing on finalizing plans and specifications, right-of-way acquisition, securing permits, and initiating utility relocation[11]. The total project cost for the Lodi station component is $60,007,000, funded through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program[11].
Phased Approach
The Valley Rail project is being implemented in segments, with the Sacramento Extension (which includes Lodi) representing the northern component of the broader program[1]. This phased approach allows for systematic implementation while maintaining existing transportation services.
Strategic Transportation Vision
The Valley Rail project positions Lodi as a key node in California's integrated rail network, connecting to future high-speed rail lines in Merced and San Jose. [3] This strategic positioning will provide Lodi residents with long-term transportation options that extend well beyond the immediate Central Valley region.
The project represents a fundamental shift in transportation options for Lodi, transforming the city from a location with limited passenger rail service to a well-connected hub in California's expanding passenger rail network. Through improved frequency, reliability, and connectivity, Valley Rail will provide Lodi residents with viable alternatives to automobile travel for both commuting and intercity travel purposes.
Sources
[1] Valley Rail - San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission https://www.sjrrc.com/valley-rail/
[2] VALLEY LINK PROJECT | Valley Link Rail https://www.valleylinkrail.com/valleylink-project
[3] [PDF] Valley Rail - San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority https://cdn.sjjpa.com/wp-content/uploads/SJJPA_Valley-Rail_TIRCP-Fact-Sheet.pdf
[4] Valley Rail on Track | Comstock's magazine http://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/valley-rail-track
[5] Valley Rail (ACE) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_Rail_(ACE)
[6] CA: Lodi transit service expected to see 25% growth in coming years https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/news/55289498/ca-lodi-transit-service-expected-to-see-25-growth-in-coming-years
[7] Elk Grove Station - San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission https://www.sjrrc.com/elk-grove-station/
[8] [PDF] Valley Rail - Senate Transportation Committee https://stran.senate.ca.gov/sites/stran.senate.ca.gov/files/SJJPA_Valley-Rail_TIRCP-Fact-Sheet_RevB_v4.pdf
[9] EIR Released for Valley Rail Project - ACE Rail https://acerail.com/eir-released-for-valley-rail-project/
[10] Lodi to Sacramento - 3 ways to travel via bus, car, and taxi - Rome2Rio https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Lodi-CA-USA/Sacramento
[11] [PDF] FY 23/24 - Cloudfront.net https://d2j5fyfnufxt9o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/20240507074706/SJRRC_WP23_24.pdf
[12] Transit Providers - San Joaquin Regional Transit District https://sanjoaquinrtd.com/transit-links/
[13] Valley Link: Anything to improve about it? : r/transit - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/transit/comments/17ogjhg/valley_link_anything_to_improve_about_it/
[14] Lodi to Sacramento Train - Amtrak Tickets $10 | Wanderu https://www.wanderu.com/en-us/train/us-ca/lodi/us-ca/sacramento/
[15] [PDF] Regional Governance Initiative - San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority https://cdn.sjjpa.com/wp-content/uploads/SJVRC-San-Joaquins-Presentation-October-20-2017-1.pdf
[16] [PDF] Appendix A - San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority https://cdn.sjjpa.com/wp-content/uploads/Valley-Rail-Sacramento-Extention-Project-DEIR-Appx-A-NOP-and-Scoping.pdf
[17] New ACE Schedule for Evening Commuters - ACE Rail https://acerail.com/new-ace-schedule-for-evening-commuters/
[18] [PDF] Memorandum - California Transportation Commission https://catc.ca.gov/-/media/ctc-media/documents/ctc-meetings/2020/2020-12/58-2-2c8-a11y.pdf
[19] [PDF] 2024 Business Plan Update - San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority https://cdn.sjjpa.com/wp-content/uploads/20240610084720/2024-SJJPA-Business-Plan-Update.pdf
[20] What's Holding Up Valley Rail? | Comstock's magazine https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/whats-holding-valley-rail
[21] California High-Speed Rail Sparks Billions in Economic Benefit https://hsr.ca.gov/2024/01/18/news-release-california-high-speed-rail-sparks-billions-in-economic-benefit/
[22] Economic Analysis says Bay Area's Valley Link project could ... https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/article/21138798/economic-analysis-says-bay-areas-valley-link-project-could-generate-22000-jobs-and-35-billion-in-the-construction-phase
[23] Recent Air Quality Achievements - San Joaquin Valley Air District https://www.valleyair.org/about/achievements/recent-air-quality-achievements/
[24] Lodi is Valley's blend of Napa and Livermore - Oakdale Leader https://www.oakdaleleader.com/209-living/lodi-valleys-blend-napa-and-livermore/
[25] [PDF] General Education Transportation Services https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1707856655/lodiusdnet/kg0esehlocmeai1ni7lj/TransportationPlan_20230328-ada.pdf
[26] California High-Speed Rail generates $21.8bn economic impact https://www.railway-technology.com/news/california-high-speed-rail-economic-impact/
[27] SJJPA, SJRRC Receive Funding for Valley Rail Program ... https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/commuterregional/sjjpa-sjrrc-receive-funding-for-valley-rail-program/
[28] Rail Transit | San Joaquin Council of Governments, CA https://www.sjcog.org/484/Rail-Transit
[29] EIR Released for Valley Rail Project https://www.sjrrc.com/eir-released-for-valley-rail-project/