Pedestrian solution will be funded separately so VTA subway schedule is not impacted

Santa Clara VTA first in nation to submit application for Expedited Project Delivery.

SCVTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will hear options for providing better pedestrian access to San Jose’s downtown BART station.

The solution will be separate from the subway project, which is expected to receive an early $1.7 billion federal grant. Officials want the pedestrian access to be funded separately so the subway project will not be delayed. The grant application for the subway project is expected to be filed in a few days.

The problem that currently exists is that all subway entrances are along the north edge of Santa Clara Street, but passengers will be going to or from existing traffic generating points in the south. Both the Diridon Station and downtown station stops make it difficult for pedestrians.

Three solutions have been submitted. One involves minor public right-of-way impacts. A second concept calls for a passenger overcrossing while a third involves a passenger undercrossing.

The full VTA board will get an overview on the options when it meets on Sept. 3.

Read more articles on passenger rail.