Overview
Caltrain owns and maintains the San Francisquito Creek Railroad Bridge located between Menlo Park and Palo Alto. In 2023, severe storms caused significant erosion along the creek bank adjacent to the rail corridor. To prevent further erosion and protect critical infrastructure ahead of the winter storm season, Caltrain implemented temporary stabilization measures in 2023.
Building on that work, the San Francisquito Creek Bank Stabilization Project is a partnership between Caltrain and the Cities of Menlo Park and Palo Alto to reinforce and restore a permanent creek embankment. The bank stabilization will include permanent erosion control measures including soil excavation, installation of boulders with native plantings to prevent erosion, and reinforcing earthen slopes along the creek. Additionally, an existing storm drain will be replaced and a new manhole and backflow prevention system will be installed.
This project will protect the Caltrain rail bridge as well as the bicycle and pedestrian bridge from future storm impacts and erosion..
Upcoming Virtual Community Meeting
Please join Caltrain for a virtual community meeting with the Cities of Menlo Park and Palo Alto to learn about the upcoming San Francisquito Creek Bank Stabilization Project. Information on the need for the project, the important benefits, and the construction activities will be discussed, followed by an opportunity for residents to ask questions.
Tuesday, May 7, 2026
5:30 – 6:15 PM
Virtual Zoom Meeting
Register HERE
Webinar ID: 832 1392 5284 Passcode: 736697
Budget & Funding
Below is the funding budget and funding for the permanent bank stabilization project.
- Project Total: ~$14 million
- Funding: This joint project between Caltrain, the City of Menlo Park, and the City of Palo Alto is funded by the following
- City of Menlo Park
- City of Palo Alto
- Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board
- San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority
- San Mateo County Transit District
- San Mateo County Transportation Authority
- Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Timeline
Severe storms caused significant erosion along the creek bank adjacent to the rail corridor. To prevent further erosion and protect critical infrastructure ahead of the winter storm season, Caltrain implemented temporary stabilization measures in November 2023.
Building on that work, the San Francisquito Creek Bank Stabilization Project is a partnership between Caltrain and the Cities of Menlo Park and Palo Alto to reinforce and restore a permanent creek embankment. This project will protect the Caltrain rail bridge as well as the Alma Street bicycle and pedestrian bridge from future storm impacts and erosion.
Project Timeline
- Contract Award: March 2026
- Contractor Mobilization: Late May 2026
- Stabilization Work
- In Creek Activities: June 15, 2026 through October 15, 2026
- Additional Activities: October through February 2027
- Contractor Demobilization: February 2027
