Ravenswood Avenue Railroad Crossing Project Community Outreach Meeting Presentation May 2, 2016
Agenda Welcome & Introduction Project Background & Purpose Project Overview Small Group Breakouts / Reporting Comments / Questions Report Out / Next Steps
Goals For Today s Meeting
City of Menlo Park City Council Rail Subcommittee Mission Statement The City Council Rail Subcommittee will advocate for ways to reduce the negative impacts and enhance the benefits of Rail in Menlo Park. The Subcommittee will ensure all voices are heard and that thoughtful ideas are generated and alternatives vetted. It will collaborate with other local and regional jurisdictions in support of regional consensus of matters of common interest related to Rail. Additionally, the subcommittee will support City Council planning efforts and decision making on Rail-related issues with information, research and other expertise.
Background/History 1854: Menlo Park receives its official name 1863: Railroad service for the San Francisco Peninsula. Train station established now the oldest California station in continuous operation Early 1900 s: Railroad line was double-tracked Grade crossings were built 1965: Southern Pacific and local cities conducted grade separation studies 1970 s: Consideration of grade separation alternative began 1980 s: Caltrain took over commuter rail service along the corridor 1990: Menlo Park conducted a Grade Separation Study 2003-2004: Menlo Park conducted a Grade Separation & New Station Feasibility Study to evaluate grade separation alternatives. 2009: SMCTA completed Footprint Study of grade separation alternatives in Menlo Park 2015: City Council Rail Subcommittee hosted a public meeting to review previous grade separation studies. City Council modified City s Rail Policy and provided direction to evaluate 2 alternatives: Underpass and Hybrid (Split-Level) Today (2016): The City to evaluate 2 grade separation alternatives
Why Are We Here? Put together a Project Study Report (PSR) to address concerns regarding traffic congestion & safety Improve Traffic Circulation/Mobility Reducing Traffic Delays Alleviate Traffic Congestion (Existing and Projected Peak Hour) Improve Traffic Flow across Railroad Crossing Increase Public Safety (vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian) Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Access
Project Definitions What is an at-grade crossing? Also known as a railroad crossing a location where a roadway and sidewalk cross railroad tracks at grade (same level as the street). Drop-down gates and red flashing lights are used to stop traffic when a train approaches. What is a grade separation? A bridge that allows the public to travel under (or over) the railroad or a railroad to travel under (or over) the roadway. What are the benefits of a grade separation? Eliminates pedestrian, bicyclist and motor vehicle conflicts with the railroad this eliminates the potential for accidents and makes it safer for everyone. Reduces traffic congestion traffic does not have to stop each time a train passes. Safer Facility + Less Congestion = Higher Quality of Life
Project Area Map Encinal Ave Oak Grove Ave Atherton Channel Glenwood Ave Ravenswood Ave San Francisquito Creek To San Francisco N To San Jose
Video of Existing Conditions (U-Turn on Tracks)
Video of Existing Conditions (Vehicle Stopped on Tracks)
Video of Existing Conditions (RR Signal Requires Backup of Vehicle)
Weekday Train Traffic Caltrain (2016) Caltrain (2020 Projection #) High Speed Rail (2029 Projection) Total Number of Trains (per Weekday) Northbound (NB) Southbound (SB) Total AM: 20 PM: 26 Total: 46 AM: 20 PM: 26 Total: 46 AM: 40 PM: 52 Total: 92 57 57 114 128 trains per day to/from San Francisco with an additional 24 trains starting at San Jose Union Pacific 3 3 6 # 2020 Projected Values Based on Completion of the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (from FEIR, December 2014) (Prototypical Schedule) + 2029 Projected Values Based on Blended Service and Completion of the High Speed Rail Project and 2014 CHSRA Business Plan
Weekend Train Traffic Total Number of Trains (per Weekend day) Caltrain (2016) Caltrain (2020 Projection) Northbound (NB) Southbound (SB) Total AM: 5 PM: 13 Total*: 18 AM: 4 PM: 14 Total*: 18 AM: 9 PM: 27 Total*: 36 Total: 18 Total: 18 Total: 36 High Speed Rail (2029 Projection) Weekend numbers are unknown at this time Union Pacific 3 3 6 * Numbers shown based on a Saturday schedule. There are four fewer trains on a Sunday (2 NB, 2 SB) + 2030 Projected Values Based on Blended Service and Completion of the High Speed Rail Project
Ravenswood Avenue Existing Railroad Crossing
Oak Grove Avenue Existing Railroad Crossing
Glenwood Avenue Encinal Avenue Existing Railroad Crossing Existing Railroad Crossing
Sample Fully Depressed Underpasses Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont Valley Avenue, Pleasanton Jefferson Avenue, Redwood City Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton
Sample Hybrid Underpasses San Bruno Ave, San Bruno Holly Street, San Carlos Ralston Ave, Belmont 42 nd Ave, San Mateo
Small Group Breakout Session Reporting from small group breakout
Comments or Questions? For More Information: Visit Us at: http://www.menlopark.org/ravenswood Email Us at: Transportation@menlopark.org
Meeting Summary Reporting back from break-out sessions Next Steps: Develop Design Alternatives Perform Traffic Study Next meeting in September/October 2016 For More Information: Visit Us at: http://www.menlopark.org/ravenswood Email Us at: Transportation@menlopark.org