05/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/03/2024 17:58
Published on May 03, 2024
There are several rail meetings coming up, potentially leading to Council approval of narrowing alternatives in June.
The City's effort, called 'Connecting Palo Alto,' is a community-based process to address Palo Alto's rail crossings due to the increased traffic congestion expected when Caltrain electrifies the tracks and runs more trains through the corridor.
There are seven streets where people and vehicles can cross the railroad tracks in Palo Alto. Three of these intersections, called grade crossings, are above the road and already grade separated, while others cross the tracks at the same level. Discussions underway seek to address four at-grade crossings including Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road. Traffic congestion is expected to increase at all four of these locations as Caltrain begins to run electric trains on a more frequent schedule and implement their 2040 Business Plan.
The City is actively studying alternatives to improve traffic circulation and increase public safety. The City Council established a sub-committee of the Council called the Rail Committee to advance the City's rail grade separations progress. Track discussions taking place, learn how to share feedback, and more through the following update.
In mid-April, the Rail Committee took the following actions:
The Committee also recommended to consider the following elements for Underpass Alternatives at all crossings during the Preliminary Engineering phase:
Timeline & Next Steps
*tentative date
Thursday, May 23, 2024 | 02:30 PM
Attend the Rail Committee Meeting as the committee discusses topics on rail grade separation.
Read the April Rail Committee Staff Report
Read the City Council Study Session Meeting Materials
Email the Council at [email protected]
Attend Council or Rail Committee Meetings In-Person or Virtually. Find Meeting Dates, Materials and More
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