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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-12 Rail Committee Summary MinutesRAIL COMMITTEE SUMMARY MINUTES Page 1 of 7 Regular Meeting May 12, 2026 The Rail Committee of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Community Meeting Room and by virtual teleconference at 2:30 p.m. Present In-Person: Chair Burt, Councilmember Lauing, Councilmember Lythcott-Haims Absent: None Call to Order Chair Burt called the meeting to order. The clerk called the roll, declaring 3 present. Public Comment 1. John M. thanked everyone for their teamwork and professionalism in trying to expedite quiet zones. He expressed his gratitude and respect. He hopes to speed this through. Verbal Updates on Interagency Activities A. Caltrain B. VTA. C. City Staff Ripon Bhatia, Senior Engineer, provided an update on safety enhancement improvements, noting they are in place at all 4 crossings in Palo Alto. On the Quiet Zone project, he noted that Public Works is working with a contractor to finish some punch list items. After the completion of those items, they will host a meeting with FRA and CPUC for post-installation field of view. He noted that recently, with RailSentry system in place, it was observed that vehicle queues are spilling over from the El Camino Real/Palo Alto signal onto the crossing, and that this issue should be discussed with CPUC and FRA. He said they have initiated discussions with Caltrans, who manage the signal operations at El Camino Real and Palo Alto Avenue, looking at suggestions to improve signal timing. For Meadow, Charleston, and Churchill Avenue crossings, they have a design RFP for quiet zones advertised. They hope to conclude that procurement during the summer. He noted that Caltrain has initiated the 15 percent design on the San Francisquito Creek Bridge Replacement, and they will be collaborating with them on next steps. Caltrain will bring back an update at the next Rail Committee meeting. Chair Burt thanked Senior Engineer Bhatia. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 2 of 7 Rail Committee Meeting Summary Minutes: 5/12/2026 Councilmember Lythcott-Haims asked where Caltrans has observed vehicles spilling over. Senior Engineer Bhatia replied at the Palo Alto Avenue crossing. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims asked in which direction vehicles are spilling. Senior Engineer Bhatia answered that westbound traffic making a right turn is held back to the crossing. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims was happy to hear about the RailSentry system. It is the one crossing where she has accidentally ended up with her back wheels on the tracks. Chair Burt asked whether there was a no-right-on-red westbound on Palo Alto Avenue as you want to go northbound on El Camino. Senior Engineer Bhatia answered that it was a signal control for pedestrians. Chair Burt noted they have not seen any preliminary presentation by Caltrain on the San Francisquito Creek Bridge Replacement. He thought they should talk about having the next meeting in August rather than September in order to get updates on timely issues, including quiet zones. He noted that antitrespassing panels are installed at all 4 locations, and there is an issue that Caltrain is pursuing with the CPUC to enable them to be as secure as they were designed. Because of how much focus is on quiet zones and expeditiousness, he wondered if they could get a regular timeline update at every meeting and any time there are changes. Senior Engineer Bhatia agreed they could do that. Agenda Items 1. Alma Street-Charleston Road Railroad Crossing Near-Term Section 130 Safety Improvement Project Ruchika Aggarwal, Project Engineer, began a slide presentation on the project, including the Purpose, Background, Funding, Railroad Crossing Constraints, Another Project in the Vicinity, and Project Limits. Marie Mai, Consultant at Callander Associates, continued the slide presentation, including the Preliminary Concept, Proposed Improvements, Alma Street/Charleston Road Intersection, Directional Curb Ramps, Handrails, Bike Lane Improvements, Pre-Signal, and Next Steps. Chair Burt expressed thanks for the presentation. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims discussed the larger question of how this project intersects with everything else going on. They have recently completed safety improvements at all 4 crossings, and she is interested in how any of that is impacted, if at all. She questioned how the quiet zone improvements would impact the project and then the bigger picture, grade separation. She questioned how much it would cost, how long it would be in place, and whose dollars would be used. Project Engineer Aggarwal stated they are looking to begin construction in 2027. The entire project would be funded by the Section 130 program through Caltrans. The current engineer's estimate for construction is about $2.2M, which the City would request once they have the GO 88 approval, which is expected in the next couple of months. CPUC and Caltrans staff have already provided an interim cursory review for the GO 88 submittal, but they have not received SUMMARY MINUTES Page 3 of 7 Rail Committee Meeting Summary Minutes: 5/12/2026 the formal approval as of yet, which they are expecting in the next 2 months. She said she is not aware of the timeline of the grade separation project or the quiet zone project, but it does not impact the near-term quiet zone as far as she can tell. Ripon Bhatia, Senior Engineer, added that they are making provisions to accommodate for the 4-quadrant gate systems. They have asked their design consultants to ensure that those provisions are made. It will accommodate the systems' locations, not construction or design. He noted they do not have a final timeline for the grade separations, as they would have to go through several steps, including utility location, funding, right-of-way acquisitions, final design, and award. It will have a good 5 years minimum effective time period to provide safety at the crossing in the interim basis. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims asked if the entity that funded the project feels that the amount of time the improvement will be in place is not of concern. Senior Engineer Bhatia said yes and that they are aware of future grade separation projects. Councilmember Lythcott- Haims asked how the pre-signal would affect backups of eastbound Charleston traffic. Project Engineer Aggarwal said a traffic study analysis was done and the pre-signal was needed for safety. They expect some traffic backlog in peak times, but the level of service for the intersection was not dramatically changing. Rafael Rius, Senior Engineer, said the traffic analysis shows a 25 percent increase in queue lengths for the eastbound direction and some degradation of the level of service from E to F in peak periods. Councilmember Lauing expressed support for the project and was glad to see there are no property implications. Nadia Naik reiterated that the FRA supported funding the improvements. She said the degradation of the signal is similar to what happened at Churchill, and they may have to adjust the light at El Camino and Charleston, but the project focuses on safety above everything. She said they should take the safety improvements while they can. Chair Burt encouraged engaging with VTA to understand which technology they are pursuing and what they think of it as well as its potential application at both this location and on El Camino. He talked about traffic issues at Churchill and said these measures do not solve the issue of drivers who ignore what they are telling them. He thinks automated ticketing of violators should be explored. He asked if the far-side quad gate would go down simultaneously with the near side or if there would be a relief valve. Senior Engineer Bhatia answered that typically there is a delay. Councilmember Burt wondered if there is enough delay. He mentioned liability issues. Senior Engineer Bhatia said it would depend on Caltrain's expertise and design. Councilmember Burt said they have to recognize irrational drivers and make sure the design takes them into account. He noted a problem at both Meadow and Charleston crossing the arterial on bikes going north/south, which is not addressed by the project. He asked if Staff was looking at that issue. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 4 of 7 Rail Committee Meeting Summary Minutes: 5/12/2026 Jason Yee, Senior Project Manager at BKF Engineers, said the section 130 funding is looking to remove queues that may impact the railroad. He noted that there is a dashed green bike lane through Park Boulevard in the final design to help at least assist in the east/west direction. Chair Burt vaguely recalled that the bike and pedestrian master plan addresses the issue. He talked about the nomenclature of safety improvements and security. He thinks there is a need for clear communication. Ria Lo, Chief Transportation Official, said Staff is planning on providing wayfinding at the corner of Park and another street to encourage cyclists to cross Charleston at Wilkie Way instead of Park Boulevard. She thinks that will help to alleviate this concern. Chair Burt said that seems logical. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims said if they are going to contemplate similar improvements at Meadow, the potential vehicular traffic backup there might be worse. Chair Burt talked about the issue of signal optimization. Whether or not they get AI empowerment, he thinks they should see if Caltrain can support better signal optimization at the Alma and Charleston signal. Councilmember Lauing noted masses of bikes on El Camino Way. Chair Burt said they are going to be adding housing units on El Camino, which will change the biking demand in that area in ways they may not have included in the modeling. Bottom line, they will probably have more bikes there. Nadia Naik wondered if there was funding available from the feds to do messaging for information and education to go along with the safety improvements. Item 1 Public Comment 1. John M. asked if the proposed improvement to Charleston and Alma is duplicative and if expenditures are wasted on the basis of installing quiet zones. He said it looks good and he welcomes safety improvements at that intersection, which is near his home. 2. Melinda M. talked about drivers who ignore and stop on the tracks and the need for more information. MOTION: Councilmember Lauing moved, seconded by Councilmember Lythcott Haims, to recommend the City Council direct staff to move forward with the proposed near-term safety improvements to the Alma Street and Charleston Road Railroad Crossing, including direction to complete final design plans, environmental analysis, project specifications, and engineering cost estimates for construction. MOTION PASSED: 3-0 SUMMARY MINUTES Page 5 of 7 Rail Committee Meeting Summary Minutes: 5/12/2026 2. Initial Review of the Technical Activities that Informed the 15% Design Development for the Grade Separations at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road Ripon Bhatia, Senior Engineer, began a slide presentation, including the Agenda and Summary of Alternatives. Jill Gibson, Senior Project Manager at Kimley-Horn, continued the slide presentation, including Current Project Phase, Preliminary Engineering Phases, Establishing a Stable Project Footprint, and Key Design Elements. Edgar Torres, Transit Consultant at Kimley-Horn, continued the slide presentation, including the Key Design Elements of Roadway and Drainage, Roadway Turning Movements, Right-of-Way, Structural and Geotechnical, Utilities, Track, Track Curves, Construction Sequencing, Track Shoofly, Shoofly Extents, Shoofly Encroachment on Alma Street, Box Jacking, Delivery Scenarios, and Independent Cost Estimate Considerations. Senior Project Manager Gibson concluded the slide presentation with the Path to 35% Design and Environmental Documentation Phase. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims asked who bears the cost if utilities need to be moved. Transit Consultant Torres said that would depend on rights and agreements between the various parties involved. She asked what percentage of the project cost that would be. Transit Consultant Torres said the first round of more detailed quantitative risk analysis would occur at the end of 15% design and at the beginning of 35. A utility bypass may be necessary. Chair Burt asked whether the constraint on curves is driven by passenger trains or freight trains. Transit Consultant Torres said horizontal curves are determined by passenger rail speeds and vertical curves are determined by freight train requirements. Nadia Naik asked what freight speeds were assumed. She asked how the design might change if they have to lower freight speeds. Transit Consultant Torres said vertical curves would be the first thing adjusted. Nadia Naik said any use of Palo Alto's project to advance standards that might help in flexibility of design or reducing costs is something they want to pursue. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims noted she heard 110 mph for a passenger train. She asked about the mechanism that holds the train down and what the length of the average train is. Transit Consultant Torres answered approximately 700 feet, or about 2/3 of the curve at Meadow. He explained physics involved in the track design. Ed Shikada, City Manager noted the vertical and horizontal axes on the graphics are distorted and that it is stretched out over miles in real life. Transit Consultant Torres added that the transition is gradual. Chair Burt talked about the increasingly remote possibility of high-speed rail. He asked why a slower freight speed might hurt. Transit Consultant Torres discussed potential unintended SUMMARY MINUTES Page 6 of 7 Rail Committee Meeting Summary Minutes: 5/12/2026 consequences but said there is a higher likelihood that it would improve the track profile. They discussed Caltrain requirements and reconciling conflicts. Councilmember Lauing said he was troubled by Charleston and Meadow being delivered together. He wants more detail. He said they need to consider accommodating residents in their cost estimates. Transit Consultant Torres said that is why they are digging more into construction sequencing as to whether the roadway bridge over Alma should be done prior to the railroad, which Councilmember Lauing thought was wise. Transit Consultant Torres said they are also trying to understand, if there was simultaneous closure, which is unlikely, how to be able to gain the most benefit for such a disruption. He said they will explore this summer the first iteration of construction period traffic based on the construction sequencing. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims said she wants to be sure that conversations about different projects all happen in tandem. There is a whole quadrant that would be impacted. She looked forward to hearing more information on that. Chair Burt brought up the consideration of having the new bike and ped undercrossing in the vicinity of Matadero Creek before they go into this construction, which would provide potential benefits. Nadia Naik asked if they have made any contact with Long Island Railroad and whether there are tips on box jacking. Transit Consultant Torres replied affirmatively and talked about those discussions. Chair Burt asked if they would be considering reducing the speed on Alma and how beneficial that might be. Transit Consultant Torres said it would not necessarily be an immediate benefit to the projects, but it is likely a benefit for the community, especially along Seale Avenue. Nadia Naik encouraged looking at any programs where they could bundle as much as possible and potentially get funding. She asked about the Loma Verde bike crossing and its timing. She wondered whether the utility exploration at Meadow might also help elucidate what Councilmember Lythcott-Haims was asking about Meadow and whether an underpass would have been better. She wondered how the Caltrain Board might consider changes in railroad operations that might help the cost of grade separation. She proposed eliminating the midnight train and the 2 a.m. freight train or changing the window when that happens. She wondered if the Caltrain Board should have a master list of all grade separation projects and their anticipated timeline. She suggested that the outreach meeting in late August/early September coordinate with the schools. She wondered how sound walls might impact the screeching sound that had been mentioned. She mentioned the lights on El Camino. She asked if there are any improvements in Mountain View that might be happening that might also help them when they look at construction, management, traffic, and that whole plan. That traffic is Mountain View traffic as well as Palo Alto traffic, so she thought it would be helpful to have better coordination cross city lines; same with Menlo Park and San Mateo County. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 7 of 7 Rail Committee Meeting Summary Minutes: 5/12/2026 Councilmember Lythcott-Haims said Charleston and Meadow are 2 separate projects, and she urged them to give people interested in that discussion the time they need to properly understand what is going on. Item 2 Public Comment 1. John M. enjoyed the presentation and expressed that many of his questions and concerns were answered. He lives near the railway and expressed a concern that the shoofly tracks will be 130 feet closer to his house. He would prefer an option that does not include shoofly tracks. He expressed a concern about the City being bisected. He expressed concerns about lawn disruptions and nighttime noise. He would like an analysis of impacts to residents and wonders what mitigations or compensation would be provided. He expressed his thanks for the presentation. 2. Roland talked about a viaduct option. He said box jacking is not viable in their configuration. He explained methods used in the U.K. Future Meetings and Agendas Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.