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Palo Alto previews rail-crossing safety work and bridge replacement; construction to begin June 1
Summary
Transportation staff reported council direction to pursue cost-sharing with the Palo Alto Unified School District for crossing guards and said the city is accelerating quiet-zone implementation; regional bridge replacement construction officially kicks off June 1 and will include new travel lanes, shoulders and sidewalks.
Transportation staff summarized safety and infrastructure work at the May 27 Planning and Transportation Commission meeting, highlighting near-term actions on rail crossings and a regional bridge replacement project.
"At the May 11 meeting, the city council directed staff to work with the Palo Alto Unified School District on a cost sharing agreement to secure long-term crossing guards at all railroad crossings," said Aussie Arcles, senior transportation planner. Arcles added staff is prioritizing quiet-zone implementation at Churchill Avenue and working with Caltrain on gate and enclosure options.
Arcles also reported a May 21 construction kickoff for a replacement of a functionally obsolete 1911 concrete bridge. Construction is scheduled to begin June 1; the replacement will include two 10-foot travel lanes, two 4-foot shoulders, sidewalks and a crosswalk. Arcles described the work as an 18-month regional collaboration involving East Palo Alto, Caltrans and Valley Water.
Commissioners raised related maintenance concerns: Commissioner James asked staff to coordinate with Public Works and Valley Water to ensure maintenance-easement needs are addressed in later design phases so they are not overlooked. Staff agreed to follow up with project managers and public-works staff.
