Caltrain completes grade crossing improvement projects in Menlo Park and San Mateo

Caltrain

Caltrain is continuing to finish grade crossing improvement projects. The latest are in Menlo Park and San Mateo.

Caltrain completed Grade Crossing Improvement Projects at five locations in Menlo Park and San Mateo. This effort to improve public safety and prevent strikes began in May 2019.

The project included more clearly marked pedestrian crossings with new paint striping and lettering, pavement markers, and the installation of a fixed median with flexible bollards. The improvements were made at 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Avenues in San Mateo and Glenwood and Oak Grove Avenues in Menlo Park.

The project cost $1.4 million, with $1 million coming from State Transit Assistance funds. The remainder of the funding came from Caltrain’s Capital budget.

Coincidentally, this project was completed during Rail Safety Month. For the last 17 years, Caltrain has planned or participated in an annual rail safety event in conjunction with Operation Lifesaver, an international model program for rail safety. Caltrain addresses safety through a comprehensive, ongoing program that focuses on the “Three E’s” of railroad safety – Education, Engineering and Enforcement. Improving and separating grade crossings are a major part of the Engineering focus, as studies have shown that reducing access to train tracks is the most effective way of preventing strikes.