Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) plans light rail track work for February

Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
image description
VTA workers installing rail plugs
VTA

Two sections of light rail tracks are undergoing routine maintenance in the coming weeks as part of VTA’s Rail Rehabilitation and Replacement Program. This work will require some temporary bus bridges and road closures, so riders are encouraged to plan ahead. Here’s the latest on what to expect.

Virginia Station Track Maintenance

The first round of track rehab will take place over the weekend of February 5-6 adjacent to the Virginia Station (Blue Line) in San Jose.

Crews will be swapping out wood ties that are due for replacement. During construction, both Virginia and Children’s Discovery Museum Stations will be closed. A bus bridge will be in effect between Convention Center and Tamien Stations. The bus bridge will not serve Virginia Station. Passengers can access the Virginia Station neighborhood via Tamien Light Rail Station or bus routes 25 and 64A.  

As the tracks run along CA-87, the left lane of the highway will be closed in both directions to accommodate track work.

1st & Younger Track Replacement

Let’s start by setting expectations here – the second round of track rehab will be more disruptive to both passengers and drivers. It’s a necessary inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience.  

Crews are replacing the embedded tracks running through the intersection of 1st and Younger, between E. Hedding and I-880. The intersection will be closed to both vehicle and foot traffic for much of the project, so expect lane closures and detours.

This is a crucial rail junction, known as the Younger “Half Grand,” where trains enter and exit the Guadalupe Yard maintenance facility, in addition to operating Green and Blue Line service along 1st Street.

A bus bridge will be in effect between Gish and Civic Center Stations for the duration of the project as trains will be unable to operate through the area. Riders should plan for extra travel time, given the temporary bus bridge and ongoing operator shortages. Real-time information will not reflect bus bridge service.

Map of bus bridge along 1st street

Exact dates are still being finalized (check back soon), but work is currently scheduled to begin in mid-February and should last for three weeks into early March. Expect station signage and social media reminders leading up to construction.

Track replacement is a large undertaking, which will include jackhammering, dust, and night work. Crews will install a temporary noise-dampening perimeter fence, and neighbors will receive notice of construction two weeks in advance. We thank the community for their patience as we ensure a state of good repair.

As always, VTA Customer Service is here to help should customers need help getting around during construction. Just call (408) 321-2300 or email [email protected].

Tags: , , , , ,

Media