Board approves street vacations to allow Caltrain to replace dilapidated Quint Street bridge

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on first reading to approve the vacation of portions of Quint Street, McKinnon Avenue and Newcomb Avenue to allow Caltrain to replace a deteriorating 107‑year‑old bridge south of Gerald Avenue.

John Updike, Caltrain’s director of real estate, briefed the board on the project, saying the vacation and subsequent transfer of title "will facilitate new construction by Caltrain of the deteriorating bridge section" and includes a temporary easement to allow rail operations to continue while title matters are finalized. Updike also noted reservations to protect the Public Utilities Commission’s underground utility interests and a proposed connector road to address vehicular traffic changes.

Members of the public addressed the board during the hearing. One speaker said the bridge work is essential to the planned Oakdale station and warned the city could forfeit federal and state railroad-safety funds if the project is delayed; that speaker estimated a financial impact in the "region of $13,300,000" and described a $4,000,000 fund-swap requirement. The board also heard historical context about the area from another member of the public.

After receiving the departmental presentation and public comment, the supervisors voted on the ordinance. The roll call showed 11 ayes; the ordinance passed on first reading and will return for a second reading as required by city procedures.