Caltrain preps for Poplar Avenue rail bridge replacement

Caltrain next week will kick off construction activities to replace the Poplar Avenue rail bridge in San Mateo, Calif.

The work involves assembling a new steel structure and demolishing the existing bridge, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

The actual demolition is expected to occur during the weekend of April 16, the San Francisco Examiner reported. The railroad will close the area to street traffic for up to eight weeks.

Work on the Poplar Avenue bridge is part of the $38 million San Mateo Bridges Replacement Project, which calls for replacing four rail bridges located at Tilton, Monte Diablo, Santa Inez and Poplar avenues.

All four bridges are more than 100 years old and no longer meet current seismic safety standards.

The Poplar Avenue bridge is the fourth and final one to be replaced.