HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-20 Rail Agenda PacketRAIL COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Community Meeting Room & Hybrid
2:00 PM
Pursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the
option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety
while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to
participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and
participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if
attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center https://midpenmedia.org.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/86388142528)
Meeting ID: 863 8814 2528 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection
on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your
subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,
the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
VERBAL UPDATE ON INTERAGENCY ACTIVITIES
A.Caltrain
B.VTA
C.City Staff
ACTION ITEMS
1.Discuss and recommend to Council: (1) Re‐inclusion of the Viaduct Alternative and/or
Elimination of the Trench Alternative, in consideration for Churchill Avenue (viaduct
only), Meadow Drive and Charleston Road Grade Crossings; and (2) Whether the Viaduct
Alternative and/or Trench Alternative Should Be Included In the Scope Of Caltrain’s
Technical Review And The City’s Updated Evaluation Criteria.
FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a
Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 863‐8814‐2528 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
RAIL COMMITTEERegular MeetingTuesday, June 20, 2023Community Meeting Room & Hybrid2:00 PMPursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/86388142528)Meeting ID: 863 8814 2528 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,
the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
VERBAL UPDATE ON INTERAGENCY ACTIVITIES
A.Caltrain
B.VTA
C.City Staff
ACTION ITEMS
1.Discuss and recommend to Council: (1) Re‐inclusion of the Viaduct Alternative and/or
Elimination of the Trench Alternative, in consideration for Churchill Avenue (viaduct
only), Meadow Drive and Charleston Road Grade Crossings; and (2) Whether the Viaduct
Alternative and/or Trench Alternative Should Be Included In the Scope Of Caltrain’s
Technical Review And The City’s Updated Evaluation Criteria.
FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a
Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 863‐8814‐2528 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
RAIL COMMITTEERegular MeetingTuesday, June 20, 2023Community Meeting Room & Hybrid2:00 PMPursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/86388142528)Meeting ID: 863 8814 2528 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.CALL TO ORDERPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. VERBAL UPDATE ON INTERAGENCY ACTIVITIESA.CaltrainB.VTAC.City StaffACTION ITEMS1.Discuss and recommend to Council: (1) Re‐inclusion of the Viaduct Alternative and/orElimination of the Trench Alternative, in consideration for Churchill Avenue (viaductonly), Meadow Drive and Charleston Road Grade Crossings; and (2) Whether the ViaductAlternative and/or Trench Alternative Should Be Included In the Scope Of Caltrain’sTechnical Review And The City’s Updated Evaluation Criteria. FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDASMembers of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a
Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 863‐8814‐2528 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
Item No. 1.Page 1 of 4 2
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8
Rail Committee
Staff Report
From: Philip Kamhi, Chief Transportation Official
Meeting Date: June 20, 2023
Report #: 2305-1546
TITLE
Discuss and recommend to Council: (1) Whether to Re-include the Viaduct Alternative and/or
Eliminate the Trench Alternative for Churchill Avenue (viaduct only), Meadow Drive and
Charleston Road Grade Crossings; and (2) Whether the Viaduct Alternative and/or Trench
Alternative Should Be Included In the Scope Of Caltrain’s Technical Review And The City’s
Updated Evaluation Criteria.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommend that the Rail Committee discuss and decide whether to recommend that the
City Council:
•Re-include the Viaduct Alternative in ongoing consideration, and whether to eliminate
the Trench Alternative.
•Submit the viaduct alternative and/or the trench alternative for further study by Caltrain
and City staff.
The viaduct alternative was eliminated from further consideration by the City Council, but
community members expressed concerns about bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and
requested to reconsider Viaduct Alternative. The Council approved further study on the
trench alternative, but recent discussion in the Rail Committee has leaned toward pausing
further analysis of the trench alternative, mainly due to its high cost and feasibility
challenges with respect to accommodating and addressing the four tracking needs of
Caltrain.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
After receiving the final report from Expanded Community Advisory Panel (XCAP) on March 23,
2021 (CMR 11797)1, Staff presented a detailed review of Meadow Drive and Charleston Road
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crossing alternatives on August 23, 2021 (CMR 13435)2 and presented details on Churchill
Avenue crossing alternatives for grade separation on November 1 & 29, 2021 (CMR 13543)3 &
(CMR 13746)4.
At these meetings, the Council eliminated the Viaduct Alternative and selected the Partial
Underpass Alternative as a preferred alternative for Churchill Avenue with Closure Alternative
as backup. For Meadow Drive and Charleston Road crossing, the Council narrowed the
alternatives in consideration to three alternatives, namely Hybrid, Trench, and Underpass, and
also eliminated the Viaduct Alternative. The City Council also directed staff to perform
additional studies. These studies included work to refine Underpass alternatives with input
from PAUSD, PABAC, and Stanford to address current shortcomings and to conduct additional
outreach to these stakeholders. On May 23, 2022 (CMR 14341)5 the City Council authorized an
amendment with the consultant to perform these additional tasks.
Staff with the support of the City’s consultant scheduled separate meetings with the
stakeholders to seek their input and feedback on partial underpass alternatives. Staff and
Consultant attended several stakeholders’ meetings and made presentations with a detailed
review of the alternatives to seek feedback and comments from Stanford staff, PABAC, PAUSD
Staff, CSTSC and local design engineers involved in the original design of underpass alternatives.
Viaduct Alternative
Two Rail Committee study sessions were conducted on October 19, 2022 (CMR 14813)6 and
November 18, 2022 (CMR 14904)7 to seek additional community feedback and Rail
Committee’s review. During these study sessions and other Rail Committee meetings, the
members of PABAC, PAUSD, and the community members expressed concerns about bicycle
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and pedestrian connectivity and requested to reconsider Viaduct Alternative for Rail
Committee’s review, evaluation, and recommendation to Council.
In addition, on March 29, 2023 (Staff Report 2302-1010)8, and April 26, 2023 (Staff Report
2303-1199)9 , the Rail Committee reviewed the evaluation criteria, which led to a
recommendation with additional measures to be included in the Council Adopted Evaluation
Criteria. The revised Evaluation Criteria was unanimously approved by the Rail Committee and
recommended to the City Council for approval. At the time of writing of this report, the
approval of evaluation criteria is scheduled on June 12, 2023 City Council meeting. The
additional measures in the evaluation criteria include reviewing impacts such as connectedness,
corridor travel times, pedestrian and bicycle circulation during and after construction, traffic
inducement, sustainability, sea-level rise, utility relocation, long-term maintenance costs, and
visual and privacy considerations along the corridor. As a result of these additional measures,
there was interest from the Rail Committee in revisiting other alternatives in consideration.
Attachments for Viaduct Alternatives at these crossings are included in this report for reference
and consultation. Attachment A provides the plan, profile, and renderings; and Attachment B
provides fact sheet for the Viaduct at Churchill Avenue crossing. Attachment C provide the plan,
profile, and renderings; and Attachment D provides fact sheet for Viaduct at Meadow Drive and
Charleston Road crossings.
Trench Alternative
The Meadow Drive and Charleston Road crossing currently have three alternatives under
consideration: Hybrid, Trench, and Underpass. On August 23, 2021, the Council conducted a
detailed review of the alternatives at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road and directed the staff
to perform a peer review of the cost estimate for the Trench Alternative. The Rail Committee
has leaned toward pausing further analysis of the trench alternative, mainly due to its high cost
and its feasibility challenges in accommodating and addressing the four tracking needs of
Caltrain. Caltrain is currently conducting the Corridor Crossing Study, which will provide insights
into the limits of the four tracking passing segments along the Caltrain corridor and other
technical constraints raised by the City of Palo Alto. However, they have indicated a strong
need for the four-tracking segment north of Mountain View Caltrain Station, which will likely
impact these crossings in Palo Alto.
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Recommendation on Including Viaduct and Trench Alternatives in Caltrain and Updated
Evaluation Criteria
The City Council recently approved an agreement with Caltrain on May 22, 2023 (CMR 2304-
1237)10 to review the alternatives being considered for the three crossings at Churchill Avenue,
Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road. As Caltrain staff proceeds with their technical review, the
staff aims to ensure that their assessment aligns with the Council’s selection of the alternatives.
Also, Consultant support will be needed to review additional measures included in the Council
Adopted Evaluation Criteria and to address comments received through Caltrain’s review.
RESOURCE IMPACT
The resources required for performing additional work depends upon the alternatives in
consideration. Both Caltrain and City staff will likely require additional resources depending
upon the final scope of work. The scope of work in the existing contract with AECOM
Consultants and Caltrain Service Agreement does not cover the additional work that will be
required resulting from inclusion of viaduct alternative. As a result, amendments to the existing
agreements and/or procurement of a new consultant may be required
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed action is part of a planning study for a possible future action, which has not been
approved, adopted, or funded and is therefore exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15262. The future decision to
approve the construction of any one of the identified potential alternatives would be subject to
CEQA and require the preparation of an environmental analysis. Environmental review and
design for the grade separation project will be performed in the subsequent steps of the
project development.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Rail Committee meetings are open to the public and therefore provide the community with
opportunities to provide comments to the rail committee and City.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Churchill Avenue – Viaduct, Plan Profiles and Renderings
Attachment B: Churchill Avenue, Fact Sheets Viaduct
Attachment C: Meadow-Charleston – Viaduct, Plan Profiles and Renderings
Attachment D: Meadow-Charleston – Fact Sheets Viaduct
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CONSTRUCTION ENVELOPE
14.39'
13.58'
72+0072+00 75+00 80+00 85+00
90+00
95+00 100+00 105+00 110+00 115+00 120+00 125+00 130+00 135+00 140+00 145+00 150+00 155+00 160+00 165+00 168+39
EXISTING TRACKS
AT VIADUCT
NEW MAINLINE TRACKS
(TEMPORARY)
NEW SHOOFLY TRACKS
CONSTRUCTION
BEGIN NEW TRACK
CONSTRUCTION
END NEW TRACK
CONSTRUCTION
BEGIN NEW VIADUCT
CONSTRUCTION
END NEW VIADUCT
STATION
CALIFORNIA AVE
CALTRAIN
STATION
UNIVERSITY AVE
CALTRAIN
1.00%
160
120
140
-40
-20
100
20
0
40
80
60
145+00 150+00140+00130+00 135+0075+0070+00 80+00 90+0085+00 125+00 170+0095+00 165+00155+00 160+00115+00 120+00110+00100+00 105+00
160
140
-20
0
-40
120
40
20
60
100
80
CONSTRUCTION
BEGIN NEW VIADUCT
CONSTRUCTION
END NEW VIADUCT
OREGON EXPRESSWAY
2
0
.5
'
-0.81%
-1.60%
-0.25%
ELEV. 66.50
TOP OF RAIL
VIADUCTRETAINED FILL RETAINED FILL
EMBARCADERO RD CHURCHILL AVE
STATION PLATFORM
PALO ALTO
CALTRAIN
STATION PLATFORM
CALIFORNIA AVE
CALTRAIN
15.5' CLEARANCE
E
L
E
V
A
T
I
O
N
(F
T
)
DISTANCE (FT)
HOMER AVE
TYP
500'
4
8
.
5
'
2
1
'1
2
'
1
4
'
*VERTICAL SCALE SHOWS A 10X EXAGGERATION
0
HORIZONTAL SCALE
200 200 400
0
VERTICAL SCALE
20
20 40
PRELIMINARY
FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
NOVEMBER 2019
Churchill Viaduct - Railroad Plan and Profile
Right Of Way
Caltrain
LandmarkAcquisition (Full Take)
Permanent Property
Acquisition (Partial Take)
Temporary Property
LEGEND:
Ground Level
Existing
LEGEND:
Track
Existing Track
Profile
New Mainline Track
Alignment at Viaduct
New Mainline Track
Track (Shoofly)
Proposed Temporary
ELEVATION VIEW (PROFILE)
AERIAL VIEW (PLAN)
TO SAN JOSETO SAN FRANCISCO
Trader Joe's High school
Palo Alto Ray Fields Peers Park
Item 1
Attachment A - Churchill Avenue -
Viaduct, Plan Profiles and Renderings
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 8 of 16
PRELIMINARY
FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
(Roadway At Grade, Railroad Fully Elevated)
Churchill Viaduct
Railroad Grade Separation Renderings
(Backyard View of Typical Property West of Tracks)
Churchill Viaduct - Looking East
(Rinconada Avenue/Alma Street Intersection)
Churchill Viaduct - Looking North
(Street View - Churchill Avenue)
Churchill Viaduct - Looking West
(Street View - Churchill Avenue)
Churchill Viaduct - Looking Southwest
(Churchill Avenue/Alma Street Intersection)
Churchill Viaduct on Viaduct Structure - Looking Southwest
(Embarcadero Road/Alma Street Intersection)
Churchill Viaduct on Retained Fill and New Bridge over Embarcadero - Looking Southwest
Item 1
Attachment A - Churchill Avenue -
Viaduct, Plan Profiles and Renderings
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 9 of 16
August 4, 2020 1 of 2
RAIL FACT SHEETS
Churchill Viaduct
About the Viaduct
For the viaduct alternative, the railroad tracks will be elevated on a structure over Churchill Avenue. The new electrified
railroad tracks will be built at the same location as the existing railroad tracks and will begin rising near Homer Avenue,
remain elevated over Churchill Avenue, and return to the existing track elevation near the California Avenue Station.
Stanford game day station will be eliminated.
The roadway at Churchill Avenue will remain at its existing grade and have a similar configuration to what exists today.
This will require expanding the width of the road through the underpass of the railroad to accommodate the new column
supporting the railroad structure.
By the numbers
•Railroad track is designed for 110 mph.
•Churchill Avenue is designed for 25 mph.
•Maximum grade on railroad is 1.6%.
•Travel lane widths are 10-12 feet.
•Bike lane widths are 5-6 feet.
•Construction period is approximately 2 years.
Engineering Challenges
•A non-standard grade of 1.6% will be required
on the tracks. Caltrain’s preferred maximum
grade is 1%.
Cost Breakdown
Roadway & Railroad Items $55M to $73M
Structure Items $115M to $152M
Right-of-way & Utilities $16M to $20M
Support Costs $60M to $80M
Escalation to 2025
dollars
$54M to $75M
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $300M to $400M
Preliminary and subject to change. Maintenance costs
and relocation of fiber optic lines not included.
Neighborhood Considerations
•During construction, Alma Street and Churchill Avenue will
be closed intermittently at night and on weekends.
•During construction, Alma Street will be reduced to two
lanes and right turn lanes on Alma Street at Churchill
Avenue will be removed.
•Vertical clearance of the railroad over Churchill Avenue will
be 15.5 feet.
•The railroad tracks will be approximately 20 feet above the
existing street at Churchill Avenue.
•With grade separations at Churchill Avenue the traffic at
nearby intersections is expected to improve.
•Stanford game day station will be eliminated.
Proposed Viaduct Aerial View - Looking South
Chuchill Avenue Intersection
Proposed Backyard View - Looking East
Typical Property West of Tracks
Proposed Ground Level View - Looking East
Churchill Avenue Intersection
Viaduct with linear park and lighting - Germany
For more Rail Fact Sheets visit:
https://connectingpaloalto.com/
fact sheets/
Item 1
Attachment B - Churchill Avenue,
Fact Sheets Viaduct
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 10 of 16
New Permanent Track
Existing Track
Temporary Track (Shoofly)
Viaduct Track Profile
Existing Ground Level
Caltrain Right-of-Way
Station Platform
Roadway
Bridge
Groundwater
DISTANCE (ft)
500 FT. (TYP)Viaduct StructureRetained Fill Retained Fill
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-0.81%-0.81%1.0%1.0%
-1.6%-1.6%
-0.25%-0.25%
California Ave California Ave
Station PlatformStation Platform
Oregon ExpyOregon Expy
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Approximate GroundwaterApproximate Groundwater
ElevationElevation
Viaduct Track ProfileViaduct Track Profile
Viaduct StructureViaduct Structure
Stanford Game Day Station Stanford Game Day Station
(will be eliminated)(will be eliminated)
RailroadRailroad
BridgeBridge
2 of 2August 4, 2020 • Churchill Viaduct Fact Sheets • For more renderings, plans and animations visit: https://connectingpaloalto.com/renderings-plans-and-animations/
TRACKTRACKCCLL TRACKTRACKCCLL
TRACKTRACKCCLL TRACKTRACKCCLL
6' SOUND BARRIER6' SOUND BARRIER
CONCRETE COLUMNCONCRETE COLUMN
CONCRETE BOX GIRDERCONCRETE BOX GIRDER
ALMA STREETALMA STREETEXISTING GROUNDEXISTING GROUND
EXISTING CALTRAIN TRACKSEXISTING CALTRAIN TRACKS FENCEFENCE
K–RAILK–RAILEXISTING
BACKYARD FENCE
EXISTING
BACKYARD FENCE
PERMANENT TRACKPERMANENT TRACK
TEMPORARY
SHOOFLY TRACK
TEMPORARY
SHOOFLY TRACK
EXAMPLE SECTION
CHURCHILL VIADUCT – OPTION 1
AERIAL GUIDEWAY
OVERHEAD
CONTACT SYSTEM
30 FT. HIGH MAX
OVERHEAD
CONTACT SYSTEM
30 FT. HIGH MAX
20 FT.
MAX
20 FT.
MAX
28.5 FT.28.5 FT.38 FT.38 FT.47 FT.47 FT.
VARIES 2-25 FT.VARIES 2-25 FT.
CALTRAIN
ROW LIMIT
CALTRAIN
ROW LIMIT
2.5 FT.2.5 FT.
Example Section - Viaduct - Looking NorthConcept Plan and Profile
Evaluation with City Council-Adopted Criteria
Finance with feasible funding sources (Order of magnitude cost)
The viaduct would require substantial local funding resources
significantly above the closure alternative.
Reduce rail noise and vibration
Train horn noise and warning bells will be eliminated with the
replacement of the at-grade crossings with grade separations. Utilizing
EMU trains instead of diesel engines will also reduce noise. There
would be significant reduction in vibration levels at nearby receptors.
Minimize visual changes along the corridor
Railroad tracks will be approximately 20 feet above grade. Landscaping
with trees will be incorporated for screening where feasible.
Maintain access to neighborhoods, parks, and schools along the corridor, while reducing regional traffic on neighborhood streets
No diversion of regional traffic with construction of a grade separations.
Minimize right-of-way acquisition (Private property only)
No acquisition of private properties will be required.
Minimize disruption and duration of construction
Extended lane reductions at Alma Street (one lane in each direction) will
be required. Construction would last for approximately 2 years.
Facilitate movement across the corridor for all modes of transportation
Churchill Avenue will be grade separated from the
railroad for all modes and will remain open. Viaduct
provides opportunities for additional crossings for all
modes.
Reduce delay and congestion for vehicular traffic at rail crossings
With construction of the grade separation, the railroad
crossing gates and warning lights at Churchill Avenue
will be removed. Thus, the traffic will not be interrupted
by railroad crossing gates.
Provide clear, safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the rail corridor, separate from vehicles
Pedestrians/cyclists will be separated from train traffic
only. Bike lanes will be added to Churchill intersections.
Additional pedestrian/cyclist separations routes can be
explore on the next phase of design.
Support continued rail operations and Caltrain service improvements
A temporary railroad track will be required. Stanford
game day station will be eliminated due to grade
issues.
Item 1
Attachment B - Churchill Avenue,
Fact Sheets Viaduct
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 11 of 16
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Park Blvd
Park Blvd
EMERSON ST
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FERNE CT
BEN LOMOND DR
LEGEND:
0
GRAPHIC SCALE
100 100 200
CHARLESTON RD
Landmark
Creek
Right Of Way
Caltrain
Ground Level
Existing
PRELIMINARY
FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
NOVEMBER 28, 2018
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120+00 125+00 130+00 135+00 140+00 145+00 150+00 155+00 160+00 165+00 170+00 175+00 180+00115+00110+00105+00
Tracks
Existing
Profile
Viaduct Track
AERIAL VIEW (PLAN)
ELEVATION VIEW (PROFILE)
Bridge
Track
New Permanent
Groundwater
Meadow Drive and Charleston Road - Plan and Profile - Viaduct
Outlet
Grocery
Robles Park
0.086%
Barron Creek
0.3%
-1.4%
Adobe Creek
-0.031%1.0%
CALTRAIN RIGHT OF WAY (WEST)
CALTRAIN RIGHT OF WAY (EAST)
DURING CONSTRUCTIONCONSTRUCTION
BEGIN CONSTRUCTION
END
ELEV 61.80
TOP OF RAIL
ELEV 55.45
TOP OF RAIL
EXISTING TRACKS
TO REMAIN OPERATIONAL
AND REMOVED AT END
OF CONSTRUCTION
ROADWAY
ROADWAY
VIADUCT PROFILE
TRACKS ON VIADUCT
PROPOSED NEW
APPROXIMATE GROUNDWATER
ELEVATION
Church
Methodist
United
St Andrew's
CITY LIMIT
PALO ALTO
Item 1
Attachment C - Meadow-Charleston -
Viaduct, Plan Profiles and Renderings
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 12 of 16
PRELIMINARY
FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
(Roadway At Grade, Railroad Fully Elevated)
Walnut Creek BART Station
Viaduct
Railroad Grade Separation Examples
BART Viaduct, El Cerrito, CA BART Viaduct at distance, El Cerrito, CA
Link Light Rail, East Marginal Way, Seattle, WA
Item 1
Attachment C - Meadow-Charleston -
Viaduct, Plan Profiles and Renderings
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 13 of 16
(Roadway At Grade, Railroad Fully Elevated)
(Typical Between Meadow Dr & Charleston Rd)
Example Section - Viaduct - Looking North
(Typical End Sections)
Example Section - Retained Fill - Looking North
(Typical Between Meadow Dr and Charleston Rd)
Track Level View - Looking North
Typical Property West of Tracks
Backyard View - Looking East
Meadow Drive Intersection
Proposed Viaduct Solution Overview - Looking South West
Charleston Road Intersection
Ground Level View - Looking South West
Viaduct
Railroad Grade Separation Sections & Renderings
PRELIMINARY
FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
Item 1
Attachment C - Meadow-Charleston -
Viaduct, Plan Profiles and Renderings
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 14 of 16
August 4, 2020 1 of 2
Meadow-Charleston Viaduct
RAIL FACT SHEETS
About the Viaduct
For the viaduct alternative, the railroad tracks will be elevated on a structure over Meadow Drive and Charleston Road. The
new electrified railroad tracks will be built between the existing railroad tracks and Alma Street (east side) and will begin
rising north of Loma Verde Avenue, remain elevated over Meadow Drive and Charleston Road, and return to the existing
elevation south of Ferne Avenue.
The roadways at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road will remain at their existing grade and have a similar configuration
to what exists today, with the addition of Class II buffered bike lanes on Charleston Road. This addition will require
expanding the width of the road to maintain bike lanes through the underpass of the railroad and to accommodate the
new column supporting the railroad structure.
By the numbers
•Railroad track is designed for 110 mph.
•Meadow Drive and Charleston Road are
designed for 25 mph.
•Maximum grade on railroad is 1.4%.
•Maximum grade on roadway is 5%.
•Travel lane widths are 10-12 feet.
•Bike lane widths are 5-6 feet.
•Construction period is approximately 2 years.
Engineering Challenges
•A non-standard grade of 1.4% will be
required on the tracks. Caltrain’s preferred
grade maximum is 1%.
For more Rail Fact Sheets visit:
https://connectingpaloalto.com/
fact sheets/
Cost Breakdown
Roadway & Railroad Items $72M to $90M
Structure Items $155M to $194M
Right-of-way & Utilities $18M to $22M
Support Costs $80M to $100M
Escalation to 2025 dollars $75M to $94M
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $400M to $500M
Preliminary and subject to change. Maintenance costs
and relocation of fiber optic lines not included.
Neighborhood Considerations
•During construction, Meadow Drive and Charleston Road will
be closed intermittently at night and on weekends.
•During construction, Alma Street will have narrow lanes for
the portions north of Meadow Drive and south of Charleston
Road.
•Vertical clearance of the railroad over Meadow Drive and
Charleston Road will be 15.5 feet.
•The railroad tracks will be approximately 20 feet above the
existing street between Meadow Drive and Charleston Road.
•With grade separations at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road
the traffic at nearby intersections is expected to improve.
Proposed Viaduct Aerial View - Looking South
Meadow Drive Intersection
Proposed Backyard View - Looking East
Typical Property West of Tracks
Proposed Ground Level View - Looking East
Charleston Road Intersection
Caulfield to Dandenong Viaduct - Australia
Item 1
Attachment D - Meadow-
Charleston - Fact Sheets Viaduct
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 15 of 16
New Permanent Track Existing Track Viaduct Track ProfileExisting Ground LevelCaltrain Right-of-Way Creek BridgeRoadway Groundwater
DISTANCE (ft)500 FT. (TYP)Viaduct StructureRetained Fill Retained Fill
LO
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ALMA ST
LUNDY LANE BEN LOMOND DR FERNE CT
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PARK BLVD
0.09%0.09%
Approximate GroundwaterApproximate Groundwater
ElevationElevation
Barron CreekBarron Creek
Adobe CreekAdobe Creek
Viaduct Track ProfileViaduct Track Profile
Meadow DrMeadow Dr Charleston RdCharleston Rd
1.0%1.0%
Top of Rail Top of Rail
Elev. 61.80Elev. 61.80
0.3%0.3%-1.4%-1.4%
-0.03%-0.03%
PARK BLVD
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Viaduct StructureViaduct Structure
2 of 2August 4, 2020 • Meadow-Charleston Viaduct Fact Sheets •For more renderings, plans and animations visit: https://connectingpaloalto.com/renderings-plans-and-animations/
EXISTING
TRACK
EXISTING
TRACK
EXISTING
TRACK
EXISTING
TRACK
CCLL CCLL
TRACKTRACKCCLL TRACKTRACKCCLL
PERMANENT TRACKPERMANENT TRACK
EXISTING TRACKS
(TO REMAIN OPEN
DURING CONSTRUCTION)
EXISTING TRACKS
(TO REMAIN OPEN
DURING CONSTRUCTION)
ALMA STREETALMA STREET
EXISTING
GROUND
EXISTING
GROUND
8' EXISTING
FENCE
8' EXISTING
FENCE
6' SOUND WALL
BARRIER
6' SOUND WALL
BARRIER
CONCRETE BOX GIRDERCONCRETE BOX GIRDER
CABLE DUCTCABLE DUCT
CONCRETE COLUMNCONCRETE COLUMN
EXAMPLE SECTION –VIADUCT ALTERNATIVE
OVERHEAD
CONTACT SYSTEM
30 FT. HIGH MAX
OVERHEAD
CONTACT SYSTEM
30 FT. HIGH MAX
OVERHEAD
CONTACT SYSTEM
30 FT. HIGH MAX
OVERHEAD
CONTACT SYSTEM
30 FT. HIGH MAX
18 FT.18 FT.
100 FT. CALTRAIN RIGHT-OF-WAY100 FT. CALTRAIN RIGHT-OF-WAY
20 FT. MAX20 FT. MAX
20 FT.
TO NEAREST HOME
20 FT.
TO NEAREST HOME
ALMA STREET
(WIDTH REDUCED 1 FT.)
ALMA STREET
(WIDTH REDUCED 1 FT.)
EXISTING
BACKYARD
FENCE
EXISTING
BACKYARD
FENCE
Evaluation with City Council-Adopted Criteria
Finance with feasible funding sources (Order of magnitude cost)
The viaduct would require substantial local funding resources more than the hybrid alternative, but less than the trench and tunnel
alternatives.
Reduce rail noise and vibration
Train horn noise and warning bells will be eliminated with the replacement of
the at-grade crossings with grade separations. Utilizing EMU trains instead
of diesel engines will also reduce noise. Six-foot high parapet sound barriers
will help reduce propulsion and wheel/rail noise. There would be significant
reduction to vibration levels at nearby receptors.
Minimize visual changes along the corridor
Railroad tracks will be approximately 20 feet above grade. Landscaping with
trees will be incorporated for screening where feasible.
Maintain access to neighborhoods, parks, and schools along the corridor, while reducing regional traffic on neighborhood
streets
No diversion of regional traffic with construction of grade separations.
Minimize right-of-way acquisition (Private property only)
No acquisition of private properties is required.
Minimize disruption and duration of construction
The viaduct will have minimal road closures (nights/weekends only).
Construction would last for approximately 2 years.
Facilitate movement across the corridor for all
modes of transportation
Meadow Drive and Charleston Road will be grade
separated from the railroad for all modes and will remain
open. Viaduct provides opportunities for additional
crossings for all modes.
Reduce delay and congestion for vehicular traffic at rail crossings
With construction of the grade separation, the railroad
crossing gates and warning lights at Meadow Drive and
Charleston Road will be removed. Thus, the traffic will not
be interrupted by the railroad crossing gates.
Provide clear, safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the rail corridor, separate
from vehicles
Pedestrians/cyclists will be separated from train traffic
only. Bike lanes will be added to Meadow Drive and
Charleston Road intersections. Additional pedestrian/
cyclist separations routes can be explore on the next
phase of design.
Support continued rail operations and Caltrain service improvements
New railroad tracks can be built without a temporary
track, and a crossover track located north of the San
Antonio Caltrain Station will be relocated.Example Section - Viaduct - Looking North (Typical Between Meadow Drive & Charleston Road)
Concept Plan and Profile
Item 1
Attachment D - Meadow-
Charleston - Fact Sheets Viaduct
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 16 of 16