TRANSPORTATION
PROGRAM

  Related Links:

• California High Speed Rail
• Letter of Comments on Caltrain Electrification Program
• September 8, 2004 Meeting
  Presentation (Large PDF - 3.7MB)

Project Manager: Chip Taylor
E-mail: transportation@menlopark.org
Phone: 650.330.6770

Project Description:

This project evaluates the engineering feasibility of replacing the existing grade crossings of the Caltrain tracks by building grade separations of the roadways from the tracks at Ravenswood, Oak Grove, Glenwood and Encinal Avenues.

History:

On July 10, 2001, the City Council authorized application for a San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMTA) grant to conduct the subject feasibility study. Following (TA) authorization of $188,000 for the study, on July 16, 2002, the City Council awarded a study contract to BKF Engineers of Redwood City. Findings of the study were presented in a general public session on September 10, 2002, to a joint meeting of the City Planning and Transportation Commissions on April 9, 2003 and at a City Council Work Session on June 10, 2003. On September 9, 2003, the Council affirmed the concept of split-level grade separations, with tracks partially elevated and roadways partially depressed, as the preferred design. The Council also requested that an alternative of deep undercrossings at Ravenswood and Oak Grove Avenues only be kept under consideration. On October 19, 2004, City Council recommended meeting with neighboring cities and other community members to find alternative solutions and to discuss any concerns pertaining to this project.

Meeting Presentation - Sept 8, 2004 (Large PDF - 3.7MB)

Current Status:

Caltrain has funding available to complete another study of grade separation along the Peninsula corridor, including Burlingame and Redwood City to Menlo Park. The study will include a dedicated section for Menlo Park that includes coordination with adjacent communities. In order for Caltrain to continue its study in Menlo Park, several key assumptions are necessary. These assumptions can affect the impact to areas influenced by the rail line and grade separation. The two main assumptions that need to be confirmed for this study are the number of future tracks and the station configuration.

Next Steps:

• Caltrain needs to finalize whether a four-track or a two-track section will be incorporated and station platform configuration.
• Caltrain will evaluate train service operations to determine assumptions necessary for the grade separation study.
• City staff will then bring the scope of work for the study to the Council for consideration and to direct staff and provide input to Caltrain regarding the scope of the study.
  
  

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