Caltrain to Install Safety Fencing in Redwood City

Caltrain crews are installing safety fencing next to the railroad tracks north of Whipple Avenue in Redwood City, part of the railroad's ongoing efforts to reduce trespassing and save lives.

About 850 feet of high-security fencing is being installed on the east side of the tracks, from Whipple Avenue north toward San Carlos. The west side of the tracks is already fenced.

The eight-foot-high, welded mesh fencing has a black vinyl coating and has proven to be effective in discouraging pedestrian trespassing. Several years ago, fencing was installed between Woodside Road and Fifth Avenue, where 1,200 trespassers were counted in a single day, and the fence has been a significant deterrent.

Caltrain staff is working with the city to preserve trees planted near the fencing location and met several months ago with the area's neighborhood association to explain the fencing plans.

The location for fencing was recommended by the railroad's transit police and locomotive engineers because of ongoing problems with people taking short cuts across the tracks and with homeless people in the area.

Pedestrians should cross the tracks at Whipple Avenue.