A new passenger train station is planned for midtown Sacramento, marking the return of rail service to the area for the first time in more than 50 years.The estimated nearly $37 million project, led by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and partner agencies, would be built near 19th and Q streets.“It’s the first time our commuter rail system will extend north beyond Stockton into Sacramento,” San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission CEO Chris Orlando told KCRA.The station will connect Sacramento travelers by train to the Central Valley and to the Altamont Corridor Express, which currently runs from Stockton to the Bay Area, including San Jose, on weekdays. It will also serve Amtrak San Joaquins routes.Officials say construction could begin as early as next year, with completion targeted for 2028. Passenger service is currently expected to begin around 2031.Funding for the project is primarily coming from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, a statewide initiative administered by the California Department of Transportation to expand rail and transit options.The Midtown station is part of the broader Valley Rail expansion, a multi-phase effort to extend commuter and intercity rail service across Northern California with several new stations planned.Local leaders say the project could bring new economic activity to Midtown, with increased foot traffic for nearby businesses and added investment in infrastructure, including pedestrian access and public art.“An economic boost for the businesses that are surrounding, just a great community impact as well,” Jameson Parker, deputy director with the Midtown Association, said. “We anticipate having a really good path to completing this and providing a new connection into Sacramento,” Orlando said.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

A new passenger train station is planned for midtown Sacramento, marking the return of rail service to the area for the first time in more than 50 years.

The estimated nearly $37 million project, led by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and partner agencies, would be built near 19th and Q streets.

“It’s the first time our commuter rail system will extend north beyond Stockton into Sacramento,” San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission CEO Chris Orlando told KCRA.

The station will connect Sacramento travelers by train to the Central Valley and to the Altamont Corridor Express, which currently runs from Stockton to the Bay Area, including San Jose, on weekdays. It will also serve Amtrak San Joaquins routes.

Officials say construction could begin as early as next year, with completion targeted for 2028. Passenger service is currently expected to begin around 2031.

Funding for the project is primarily coming from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, a statewide initiative administered by the California Department of Transportation to expand rail and transit options.

The Midtown station is part of the broader Valley Rail expansion, a multi-phase effort to extend commuter and intercity rail service across Northern California with several new stations planned.

Local leaders say the project could bring new economic activity to Midtown, with increased foot traffic for nearby businesses and added investment in infrastructure, including pedestrian access and public art.

“An economic boost for the businesses that are surrounding, just a great community impact as well,” Jameson Parker, deputy director with the Midtown Association, said.

“We anticipate having a really good path to completing this and providing a new connection into Sacramento,” Orlando said.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel