25th Avenue Grade Separation
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Rendering of Completed 25th Avenue Grade Separation Project
Background and Summary
Caltrain, in cooperation with the City of San Mateo, will raise the tracks and slightly lower the road (grade separate) at E. 25th Avenue in San Mateo. This will improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians, and it will reduce local traffic congestion in San Mateo.
In addition to separating the tracks and road at E. 25th Avenue, the project will provide an opportunity to complete east-west street connections at 28th and 31st Avenues in conformance with the Bay Meadows Transit Oriented Development Plan.
As part of the project improvements, Caltrain will build a new elevated Hillsdale Station located at E. 28th Avenue. The new station will offer updated amenities and will allow for better safety and reduced traffic.
Schedule (Updated October 2019)
Schedule updated due to unforeseen conditions and utility conflicts during construction.
Design: Completed December 2016
Right-of-way Acquisition: Fall 2016 to Spring 2017
Bid & Award: Winter 2016 to Summer 2017
Construction: Fall 2017 to Spring 2021
Project Cost $180 million
| Measure A | $74 million | |
| City of San Mateo | $12 million | |
| State Section 190 | $10 million | |
| State HSR Prop 1A | $84 million |
Community Impacts During Construction
Work to construct the grade separation began in fall 2017 and is expected to span a little over three years. As part of the project, Hillsdale Station will be temporarily closed for up to six months to allow for the building of 28th Avenue and a new elevated Hillsdale Station. The temporary station closure is targeted for spring 2020. Additional Caltrain service (including Baby Bullet service) will be provided at Belmont Station, as well as a shuttle between Belmont and Hillsdale Stations during the morning and evening peak hours.
The work also requires the closing of E. 25th Avenue for approximately two months in winter 2020. All businesses on E. 25th Avenue will remain open during this time.
To avoid impacting rail operations, some construction will take place during nights and weekends. Due to the nature of the construction, there will be temporary, localized noise impacts due to site clearing and construction activities.
Public Involvement
Caltrain will be communicating with residents, businesses and other interested members of the public to discuss the project in more detail. Stakeholders will be provided with various opportunities to engage the project team and provide feedback prior to key milestones.
For additional questions or concerns regarding this project, please call customer service at 1.800.660.4287 or email smgradesep@caltrain.com.
Project Resources
- Temporary Hillsdale Station Closure Information
- Project Update (April 2020)
- Project Update (June 2020)
- Presentations
- Mailers/Notifications
- PG&E Pipeline Work
- Weekly Construction Update (scroll to project)
- Press Releases
- Project Photos
- City of San Mateo Project Page
- Night Work Information
Information for Contractors
If you are a contractor and would like more information, please visit the San Mateo County Transit District's Bid and Contracts webpage here.
