San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA)

The Metro Valley Study Session addressed several agenda items related to ongoing projects. Informational items included receiving and filing reports on Project Delivery Contract Change Orders to On-Going Contracts and the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Second Quarter Report for the Interstate 10 Express Lanes Contract 1. Discussion items focused on a progress briefing report for major projects through December 2025, highlighting status updates for the I-15 Corridor Freight and Express Lanes Project, the I-215 University Avenue Interchange Improvement Project, and the I-10 Mount Vernon Avenue Interchange Improvement Project. Additionally, the Board reviewed and recommended authorization for Amendment No. 2 to the Cooperative Agreement for the Interstate 10 Cedar Avenue Interchange Improvement Project, which included extending the termination date and adjusting funding contributions between SBCTA and the County, as well as approving additional construction contingencies for related contracts. Finally, the Board was asked to review and recommend releasing an Invitation for Bids for the Interstate 10 Corridor Freight and Express Lane Project - Contract 2B.

This document details the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority's strategic initiatives focused on sustainability and enhancing mobility. The organization's mission is to improve the quality of life and transportation efficiency for residents by adopting environmentally responsible modes and embracing innovative technologies. Key projects highlighted include the launch of hybrid and hydrogen-powered rail services (Arrow and ZEMU) by 2024, the development of an underground electric vehicle tunnel to Ontario International Airport, the zero-emission West Valley Connector Bus Rapid Transit project beginning in 2022, and a partnership for high-speed electric rail with Brightline West. These efforts aim to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, contributing to California's environmental goals and establishing the county as a leader in green transportation technology.

The session served as a public hearing for the Ontario Airport Connector project, focusing on project information and the environmental review process under both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Key discussions included the project's need to enhance transportation access between the Cucamonga Metrolink station and Ontario International Airport, mitigate roadway congestion, and promote autonomous electric vehicles. The history of studies dating back to 2008, which evaluated 83 alternatives, was presented. The preferred alternative, Alternative One, involves a fixed guideway tunnel system, determined to have the highest benefit alignment and avoid property acquisitions, in contrast to Alternatives Two and Three (fixed guideway via Hermosa Avenue or Deer Creek, which had high capacity but significant environmental impacts) and Alternative Four (shuttle bus, which had minimal impact but insufficient capacity). The presentation detailed the proposed tunnel alignment, crossing under I-10 and the Union Pacific Railroad, with stations proposed at both airport terminals. Technical terms like TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine), Cut and Cover, and MSF (Maintenance and Storage Facility) were defined. Participants were instructed on how to submit comments for the official record by December 2nd, 2024, either through a court reporter in a breakout room or via online channels.

This document outlines the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority's ONT Connector project, an initiative to establish a reliable, direct underground electric shuttle connection between Ontario International Airport and the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink station. The project aims to encourage a shift to public transit, reduce surface transportation impacts and greenhouse gas emissions, and utilize clean emerging technology to accommodate current and future growth in the region. It is currently in the environmental review phase, with a public comment period open through December 2nd, 2024, and is designed to integrate with an emerging intermodal transit hub.

The Long Range Multimodal Transportation Plan for San Bernardino County provides a comprehensive roadmap for developing an efficient and robust multimodal transportation system. It addresses anticipated population and employment growth through 2050 by prioritizing alternatives to highway expansion, enhancing public transit, and improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Key objectives include alleviating traffic congestion, improving safety across all transportation modes, managing the environmental and social impacts of freight transport, and strategically investing in disadvantaged communities. The plan also incorporates future trends like zero-emission vehicles and changing travel behaviors to ensure long-term mobility and sustainability for the county.