Fremont crossing completed for VTA extension

Today's scheduled reopening of Warren Avenue at the future Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) corridor crossing in Fremont, Calif., marks a milestone for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's (VTA) Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension project.

Warren Avenue was closed in June 2013 to construct a grade separation of the roadway from future BART service and existing freight-rail lines. New trenches were built under the new street-level bridges for both railroads to enhance safety by separating train traffic from pedestrian and auto traffic, VTA officials said in a press release.

A new pedestrian sidewalk on Warren Avenue's south side to be opened later and striped bike lanes also were designed to improve safety. Additional lane widening on Mission Boulevard and new on and off ramps from Kato Road to Mission Boulevard are slated for completion in fall.

The grade separation is a major element of the Mission Warren Area Improvement Project, a joint effort by the city of Fremont, Alameda County Transportation Commission, California Department of Transportation and VTA. In June 2012, RGW Construction Inc. was awarded a $45 million construction contract for the project. The overall $151 million cost will be covered by federal, state and local sources.