Palo Alto Stations and Bridge Repairs Project Factsheet

Project Lead:
Caltrain

Contractors:
Shimmick Construction, Inc.

Project Limits:
California Avenue Caltrain Station
Palo Alto Caltrain Station
Bridges within the City of Palo Alto

Construction Cost:
$35 million

Begin Construction:
Fall 2007

End Construction:
Winter 2009

Reason for Project:
The project consists of platform and safety improvements at the California Avenue station; platform and accessibility improvements at the Palo Alto station; and bridge deck repairs. It will improve passenger service and safety at the two stations and allow Caltrain to eliminate the hold out rule at California Avenue. Currently, trains must hold out beyond the station if another train is in the station, and it cannot enter the station until the first train has left. This project will allow more than one train to enter or pass through the station at a time, allowing for more flexibility in scheduling trains. The new design will improve safety by preventing pedestrians from crossing the tracks except at designated crossing areas, which will be protected with pedestrian crossing arms.

The Palo Alto station pedestrian underpass will improve passenger service and safety to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements by modifying the existing pedestrian underpass. The project will modify the ramps at the northern underpass to meet ADA requirements by changing the slope of the ramps and installing a resting place.

Improvements are required on a number of bridges in the Palo Alto area, which have reached the end of their useful lifespan. These bridges will be replaced to ensure the stability of the overall Caltrain system.

Scope of Work:
At the California Avenue station, the center boarding platform will be demolished, and outside boarding platforms will be constructed to meet the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The result is that passengers will no longer board between the tracks. Center track fencing will be installed to prevent pedestrians from crossing the tracks, and an underpass will be constructed so passengers can cross easily from one platform to another.

At the Palo Alto Station the northern pedestrian underpass will be modified to be more accessible. The project will install new ramps that are easier to use and replace the existing boarding platforms with new platforms.

Bridges will be replaced at Alma Street, San Francisquito Creek, Matadero Creek and several drainage channels. Where applicable, bridge decks will be replaced with reinforced concrete pipe and covered with fill and ballast as a foundation for tracks. This will allow water to pass through without the maintenance requirements of a traditional bridge. At San Francisquito Creek, the deck will be repaired and timber beams will be replaced. At the Alma Street overpass, knee braces will be replaced.