Caltrain to Remove Trees on Right of Way

By

May 4, 2009

Beginning May 9, Caltrain will remove trees on the railroad’s right of way between Poplar and Tilton avenues in San Mateo. The work will be done from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends until June 15.

Caltrain and the City of San Mateo have identified and inventoried the trees, many of which are “volunteers” that have sprung up along the right of way over time. Trees on private property will not be removed. As part of the project, the city will be working with the neighborhood to identify appropriate locations to plant new trees.

Vegetation along railroad tracks is a safety hazard: Excessive vegetation can block the train engineer’s line of sight. Routine maintenance work, such as welding and rail grinding, generate sparks that can ignite dry brush. And, thick vegetation encourages rodent infestations, which can be a problem for neighbors next to the right of way.

The work also is the first step in replacing the railroad bridges that cross Tilton, Monte Diablo, Santa Inez and Poplar avenues, which are more than 100 years old. The new bridges will meet current seismic safety standards and the bridge that crosses Poplar Avenue will be raised 1 ½ feet, which will improve access to the neighborhood for public safety vehicles, such as fire trucks. Work on the new bridges will begin in January 2010 and is expected to be completed the following spring.

For more information, call the Caltrain construction outreach specialist at 650.508.7726.