Caltrain solicits feedback on set-out track replacement

Caltrain and San Mateo, California, officials will host a meeting tomorrow to get public feedback on plans to replace a 25-year-old set-out track in San Mateo that was removed earlier this year to accommodate a grade separation project on 25th Avenue.

In June, Caltrain officials selected two possible options for the replacement project based on a feasibility assessment and now are soliciting public feedback on the alternatives, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

The project options include relocating the set-out track just north of the Hayward Park Station, or keeping the set-out track in its original place while providing significant screening such as vegetation, a wall or both.

Since the track's removal, train equipment maintenance either has been deferred or performed at a higher cost while Caltrain awaits a replacement track, officials said. 

Set-out tracks provide temporary storage for train equipment, allowing efficient use of limited work windows to keep the railroad functioning properly while also supporting capital projects.