Caltrain to complete ballast removal project with boost from Facebook

Caltrain will complete removal of all ballast material from its Chilco storage site in Menlo Park, Calif., about 18 months earlier than initially expected, agency officials announced yesterday.

With additional funds provided by Facebook, the project is slated for completion in October, Caltrain officials said in a press release. The ballast removal project and prepping the new site are expected to cost $295,000. Caltrain did not reveal how much assistance it received from Facebook.

Facebook, which is based in Menlo Park, Calif., has offered to assist as part of its "ongoing commitment" to the community, according to local news media.

Caltrain had opted to explore options to remove the material following community concerns about dust from the ballast.

"Caltrain and Facebook’s thorough response to this issue is another example of these organizations’ commitment to being engaging and responsive community partners," said Menlo Park City Council member Kirsten Keith. "We thank them for listening to the concerns of Park Belle Haven residents and taking corrective action."

Caltrain will continue to work with Facebook, the city of Menlo Park and the community to minimize or prevent the need to utilize the Chico site for ballast storage in the future, the agency said.