Caltrain begins grade crossing projects as part of electrification effort

Caltrain this week is closing multiple grade crossings in Burlingame and San Mateo, California, to install foundations for its electrification project.

The work includes excavation, placement of rebar, concrete fill and electrical grounding. The railroad closed the Peninsula Avenue crossing yesterday, with the Villa Terrace crossing slated to close tonight.

On June 7, Caltrain will close the Bellevue Avenue crossing to carry out the work. The railroad is working with its contractors to minimize night work, but some is required to maintain regular service, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

The field team will use acoustical noise barrier blankets and position lights away from residential and business areas to mitigate noise and other impacts.

The work is part of Caltrain's nearly $2 billion electrification of the railroad's corridor from San Francisco's 4th and King Station to the Tamien Station in San Jose, California.

Electrifying the system will enable Caltrain to increase the number of trains it runs each day. To learn more about the project, read this feature from Progressive Railroading's March issue.