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Alameda CTC outlines safety upgrades for Junction Avenue and L Street crossings in Livermore
Summary
Alameda County Transportation Commission officials presented plans to upgrade two Livermore at-grade railroad crossings with new gates, pedestrian features and lighting; environmental clearance and designs are complete, and construction funding will be sought in May 2026, with construction anticipated to start that summer.
Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) staff told the Livermore City Council on Jan. 26 that a countywide rail-safety program will bring modern safety features to two Livermore at-grade crossings — Junction Avenue and L Street. The presentation was delivered by Alameda CTC principal program analyst Angelina Lisonbee.
Alameda CTC described the Rail Crossing Enhancement Program Phase A (RCEPa) as the result of planning dating to a 2016 goods movement plan and a 2018 rail strategy study. "In 2019, the Federal Railroad Administration, known as FRA, identified that Alameda County had the fourth highest number of fatalities on rail corridors in the nation," Lisonbee said, citing the agency's analysis. Alameda CTC said there were 33 incidents resulting in 20 fatalities and 15 injuries at RCEPa locations between 2016 and 2024, including one fatality in Livermore.
The Livermore work would add train-activated pedestrian gate arms, flashing lights and manual emergency swing gates; upgraded vehicle gates; new concrete track panels; sidewalks and hand railing; detectable warning surfaces; fencing; buffered bike lanes; median islands; and new lighting. Lisonbee said environmental clearance and final design are complete and that right-of-way certification is pending the execution of necessary construction and maintenance agreements.
Alameda CTC staff said the project will seek construction funding from the California Transportation Commission in May 2026; if funding is approved, the agency anticipates awarding a construction contract in June 2026. Construction of the Livermore crossings is expected to begin in summer 2026 and last approximately one year. Alameda CTC noted coordination with Union Pacific Railroad, the California Public Utilities Commission and the FRA, and said it will continue to work closely with city staff and transit operators to provide public notice and manage construction impacts.
An unnamed council member who bikes along Junction Avenue said the existing asphalt sidewalk is difficult to use and welcomed the planned improvements. Another council member thanked staff and Alameda CTC for long-running coordination to bring the project to final design.
Next steps: Alameda CTC will pursue right-of-way certification and submit a funding application to the California Transportation Commission in May 2026. If the funding application succeeds, officials anticipate awarding the construction contract in June 2026 and beginning construction that summer.
