SCVTA begins work on light-rail pocket track

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) has begun work on the Santa Clara Pocket Track, a third light-rail track on Tasman Drive. This additional track will allow SCVTA to store light-rail trains and put them into service quickly to meet increased service demands.

During upcoming special events at Levi’s Stadium and when local Bay Area Rapid Transit service begins in late 2017, SCVTA will be able to store three, three-car trains on the pocket track. These trains can then be deployed quickly to pick up passengers and take them on their way.

“This will be of tremendous value to our customers and will result in people getting to and from this area more smoothly, especially when there’s a special event taking place at Levi’s Stadium,” said Mark Robinson, chief engineering and construction officer.

Beginning February 13, construction crews started putting down K-rail, a cement barrier that will narrow Tasman to one lane westbound between Old Ironsides and Patrick Henry for about three months. This will allow crews to relocate sewer and storm water lines and perform other construction-related activities. Once that work is complete, the K-rail will be shifted to allow crews to work on the track in the median. In addition, west of Patrick Henry Drive, K-rail will be placed to allow utility and track work to commence.

The pocket track is expected to be completed in August.