What is a grade separation?

A grade separation is a physical separation between railroad tracks and a roadway or pedestrian pathway.

Why is Palo Alto pursuing separations?

Caltrain is planning to increase the number of trains from 10/hour to as many as 16/hour, effectively blocking cross traffic. Also, Palo Alto has three of the most dangerous railroad crossings in the country.

When will the increase in trains occur?

An increase from 10 to 12/hour is expected in 2022. The increase to 16/hour is expected by 2027.

What are the current Churchill alternatives?

The only alternatives were road closure with a bike/pedestrian tunnel under Alma or a viaduct.

See the alternatives »

Why is a new crossing alternative being considered now?

The previous alternatives all have major deficiencies such as cost, impact on properties, or aesthetic objections.

What is the new alternative for Churchill?

A Partial Underpass design that keeps the intersection mostly open, but does not require property acquisitions.

See the Partial Underpass »

Why have a bike tunnel at Kellogg?

Seale is another alternative. Kellogg is closer to PAHS, reducing temptations for bikes to use Alma. Bikes from Seale would need to cross Churchill traffic. Southgate's narrow streets are already overburdened.

How will emergency response times be affected by closure?

Delays should be small for police. EMS and Fire Dept. delays of 1-1.5 minutes could occur in Southgate.

See the reports »