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FAQs

1. What is a grade separation? 

• A grade separation is an infrastructure solution that separates the roads, railways, and other transportation modes at different heights (grades). This means vehicles, trains, bicyclists, and pedestrians move on separate levels, eliminating the need for them to cross paths at the same elevations. Examples include underpasses, overpasses, and bridges.  

2. Why are grade separations important? 

• Enhances Safety: Eliminates conflicts between trains, vehicles, and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents at crossings.
• Improves Traffic Flow: Removes delays caused by trains crossing roadways, especially at busy intersections, which helps to ease congestion for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Supports Rail Operations: Enables smoother, uninterrupted train movement, essential for increasing rail service frequency and efficiency.
• Promotes Sustainable Transportation: Encourages walking and biking by providing safer, more accessible crossings, supporting the city’s sustainability and multimodal transportation goals.
• Planning for the Future of the Caltrain Corridor and the City of Palo Alto: Allows for future increased train travel along the corridor, ensuring infrastructure is ready to meet long-term needs.
   

3. What stage is the project at now? 

• The project is currently in the Preliminary Engineering (PE) and Environmental Documentation (ENV) step. A Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for Meadow Drive and Charleston Road will be finalized during this step. 

4. How can I provide feedback or stay involved?

• Attend public meetings hosted by the City of Palo Alto Rail Committee or City Council
• Participate in Public Engagement events 
• Submit a Public Comment
• Subscribe to Caltrain updates 
• Visit the Project Website