Construction Overview
Caltrain Electrification construction is occurring between the 4th and King Station in San Francisco and Tamien Station in San Jose. Construction activities include locating underground utilities, testing soil conditions, inspecting signal/communication equipment, pruning/removing trees, and installing foundations in preparation for the installation and operation of the Overhead Contact System that will power the new electric trains.
Work will be performed during the day and at night. In order to limit the impact to regular train service, night work will occur between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. when there are fewer regular service trains.
Monthly Construction Update
Each month, we are getting closer to Caltrain Electrification. Check out August's progress below. For more detail on construction progress by station, see the table below for a snapshot on how close we are to bringing passengers greener, faster and more frequent service!
Construction Progress
Weekly Updates
For the upcoming week, the activities associated with the electrification infrastructure component of Caltrain Electrification are the following. Sign up for weekly updates here.
For more additional information about construction, please visit our City Specific Resources page.
San Francisco
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the 22nd Street station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Brisbane
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Bayshore station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
South San Francisco
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work and prune trees. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the South San Francisco station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
San Bruno
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work and prune trees. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the San Bruno station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Millbrae
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work and prune trees. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Millbrae station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Burlingame
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work and prune trees. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Burlingame and Broadway stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
San Mateo
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work and prune trees. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the San Mateo, Hayward Park and Hillsdale stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Belmont
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work and prune trees. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Belmont Station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
San Carlos
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work and prune trees. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the San Carlos Station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Redwood City
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work and prune trees. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Redwood City Station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Unincorporated San Mateo County
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work and prune trees. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
Atherton
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work and prune trees. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work and install equipment on poles. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
Menlo Park
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Menlo Park Station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Palo Alto
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Palo Alto and California stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Mountain View
Starting September 25, 2023, Caltrain will begin electric train testing on weeknights between San Jose and Mountain View. Testing is expected to continue until Summer 2024. Each trainset must be tested for 1,000 miles before being placed into service, which is planned for September 2024.
Testing will be conducted Monday through Friday evenings between 8 pm and 4 am with an expected 1-2 test trains per hour. Residents may hear additional noise during testing hours, including grade crossing activations and train horns. We appreciate your patience as we complete this transformational project.
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Mountain View and San Antonio stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Sunnyvale
Starting September 25, 2023, Caltrain will begin electric train testing on weeknights between San Jose and Mountain View. Testing is expected to continue until Summer 2024. Each trainset must be tested for 1,000 miles before being placed into service, which is planned for September 2024.
Testing will be conducted Monday through Friday evenings between 8 pm and 4 am with an expected 1-2 test trains per hour. Residents may hear additional noise during testing hours, including grade crossing activations and train horns. We appreciate your patience as we complete this transformational project.
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Sunnyvale and Lawrence stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Santa Clara
Starting September 25, 2023, Caltrain will begin electric train testing on weeknights between San Jose and Mountain View. Testing is expected to continue until Summer 2024. Each trainset must be tested for 1,000 miles before being placed into service, which is planned for September 2024.
Testing will be conducted Monday through Friday evenings between 8 pm and 4 am with an expected 1-2 test trains per hour. Residents may hear additional noise during testing hours, including grade crossing activations and train horns. We appreciate your patience as we complete this transformational project.
September 23 to September 29, Caltrain will be working during the day to perform signal work. Caltrain will be working during the night to perform signal work. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Santa Clara station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
San Jose
Starting September 25, 2023, Caltrain will begin electric train testing on weeknights between San Jose and Mountain View. Testing is expected to continue until Summer 2024. Each trainset must be tested for 1,000 miles before being placed into service, which is planned for September 2024.
Testing will be conducted Monday through Friday evenings between 8 pm and 4 am with an expected 1-2 test trains per hour. Residents may hear additional noise during testing hours, including grade crossing activations and train horns. We appreciate your patience as we complete this transformational project.
September 23 to September 29:
No other activities reported for this week.
If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
Bridge Barriers
All bridges that cross over Caltrain tracks will require the installation of a protective barrier and screen to ensure the safety of both our trains and the public.
Traction Power and Substation Info
Traction power substations supply and regulate the power to the electrified system. Ten of these substations will be installed between San Francisco and San Jose. For more information on the different types of substations and their locations, visit the Traction Power Substation Page.
Insulated Joint Installation
Before Caltrain can convert to an electrified system, insulated joints must be installed in order for the train locations to be detected along the corridor by the signal system. Crews will remove sections of rail and install prefabricated insulated joints. The prefabricated joints are then welded and ground to form a continuous rail along the corridor.
Duct Bank Installation
The new electrified system will require the installation of additional underground electrical, signal, and communications cabling known as duct banks.
Overhead Catenary System
Caltrain Electrification includes the installation of the overhead catenary system (OCS) which consists of foundations, poles, and four different types of wires.
Potholing
In order to prepare for the installation of foundations and poles, crews use an industrial vacuum to excavate each foundation location and confirm the condition and location of underground utilities.
Foundation Installation
Over 3,000 concrete foundations will be installed along the Caltrain corridor. Crews use an auger drill to dig a hole, place rebar, and then pour concrete to fill the hole. The concrete foundation is left to set for a month before crews can return, remove formwork, and install a pole atop the foundation. Some foundations will be used to support a guy-wire.
Pole Installation
After a foundation has been set, crews return to install the poles and catenary supports which hold the overhead wires. Poles are between 30-50 feet high and are installed using cranes and off-track equipment. Depending on site conditions and system requirements, poles can be placed outside or in between the set of railroad tracks. In most locations, poles are placed approximately 180′ apart.
Wire Installation
Once there is a continuous set of poles in an area, crews will string the wires needed for the system. These wires provide 25kV overhead power to the new electric trains.
Tree Pruning/Removal
An electrical safety zone (ESZ) of up to 24 feet from the tracks has been established in order to provide the required clearance for the overhead catenary system. Trees within the ESZ must be pruned or removed prior to construction. Caltrain will replace all trees removed or pruned more than 25%.