Caltrain OKs capital budget for infrastructure improvements

Caltrain's board yesterday approved a $43.6 million capital budget, which will fund bridge repair work in San Mateo, Calif., new safety improvements on the rail system and station modifications to accommodate longer trains.

The capital budget's thumbs up follows the board's approval in June of Caltrain's $125.7 million operating budget. The capital budget was delayed until August while Caltrain officials awaited word on the availability of federal funding for major projects, agency officials said in a press release.

Funding will come from regional, state and federal grants, as well as $10.3 million in contributions from Caltrain's funding partners: the city and county of San Francisco, SamTrans and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

The projects covered in the new capital budget include the design and completion of station modifications for six-car trains; replacement of four bridges in San Mateo; installation of safety fencing along the Caltrain right of way and additional onboard improvements; inspection and documentation of load rating for Caltrain's 103 rail bridges; and coordination planning and management for electrification, which will allow for implementation of the state's high-speed rail network.