The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) said that a bid solicitation has been issued to construct a pedestrian overcrossing alongside the south side of Blossom Hill Road where it crosses Monterey Highway and Union Pacific tracks in south San Jose, Calif.

Pending bid review and approval, a construction contract would likely be awarded in early December 2010, with construction of the 315-foot long prefabricated steel bridge structure beginning in early 2011. Estimated construction time is nine months, meaning the bridge should be complete in late 2011.

"This is an important pedestrian safety improvement, one the community has been looking forward to for some time," said San Jose City Council Member and VTA Board Member Ash Kalra. "I'm pleased to know the bridge will soon be in place to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians over both the railroad tracks and Monterey Highway."

All required environmental clearances and project approvals from other governmental agencies and UP are now in hand, enabling the bid process to begin. Meanwhile, VTA has cobbled together $10.5 million in local transit funds, state transportation bonds and Federal Highway Administration and City of San Jose monies.

Features of the project include: the 12-foot wide bridge itself; fully accessible ramps at either end of the project meeting all Americans with Disabilities Act standards; fencing to deter unsafe, at-grade crossing of the UP tracks; sidewalk improvements; and new pedestrian crossing signals at the southeast Blossom Hill Road and Monterey Highway on and off-ramps.

"This safety improvement project is the result of a strong team effort," noted Michael Burns, VTA General Manager. "The collaborative partnership with Caltrans, City of San Jose, Union Pacific and the surrounding community made this important safety improvement possible."