Caltrain begins replacement of San Mateo bridges

Caltrain will begin work this month on the $38 million San Mateo bridges replacement project in California, an important infrastructure project that will provide seismic upgrades to four aging railway passes, the railroad announced yesterday.

Today, crews will install and monitor vector control as part of the initial site prep work and set-up for the project, a joint effort between Caltrain and the city of San Mateo, according to a Caltrain press release.

On Dec. 15, crews will clear and grub the right of way in the project area; install ballast retainers on the Monte Diablo, Santa Inez and Poplar bridges. Caltrain will replace the bridges at Tilton, Monte Diablo, Santa Inez and Poplar avenues. The bridges are more than 100 years old, and require replacement to meet current local, state and federal seismic safety standards.

Expected to be completed in two years, the project is being funded with local, state and federal dollars.

Meanwhile, local news media reported that Caltrain is expected to release its final environmental impact report today for the railroad's $1.7 billion modernization project, which would electrify the rail line from San Jose to San Francisco.