Rail committee narrows South Palo Alto bike–ped study, recommends Alternative A to council

The Palo Alto Rail Committee voted unanimously on Nov. 18 to recommend Alternative A as the preferred conceptual design for the South Palo Alto bicycle and pedestrian grade-separated crossing study.

Charlie Cole, senior transportation planner, told the committee the study screened more than 25 initial concepts down to eight preliminary alternatives and that staff’s analysis evaluated demand forecasts, proximity to existing crossings and technical constraints. "This initial screening assessment resulted in 8 conceptual design alternatives, which were then advanced through an initial assessment," Cole said.

Committee members emphasized trade-offs: parcel impacts, ramp slope and vertical clearance, constructability and connections to future housing along San Antonio Road. Staff noted the alternatives are high-level and flexible; more detailed engineering at 15% design could reduce property impacts in some cases. The staff report identified Alternative A as favorable for limited property impacts and high projected daily trips.

Council member Julie moved to recommend Alternative A; Chair Burt seconded. The clerk recorded a roll-call vote of three in favor and the motion carried 3–0. Committee members asked staff to include A1 (an option that tunnels further under Alma) and A2 variations in future council-level presentations.

Members and public commenters urged that student routes, existing underpasses (including Cal Ave), tree impacts and potential induced-mode-shift effects be examined as staff advances design work. Staff told the committee the draft bicycle and pedestrian plan will be brought to city council in a Dec. 1 study session, and that the bike–ped connectivity project would return to committees in early 2026 with recommendations to advance up to two alternatives to 15% design.

The committee’s recommendation will go to the full City Council for action in upcoming meetings.