1. Summary The City of Palo Alto is requesting proposals from qualified consultants to assist in the process of implementing Quiet Zone(s) along the Caltrain Corridor in Palo Alto. The consultant shall gather all information and relevant factors that may be appropriate in determining the necessary modifications to meet any and all requirements for creating a quiet zone. The project includes the following three crossings: Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive Charleston Road 2. Background The City has received concerns from residents about the volumes, frequency, duration, and time frame of train horns in Palo Alto. Therefore, City is considering establishing quiet zone at the railroad crossings along the Caltrain corridor. The City of Palo Alto currently has four at-grade crossings along the Caltrain rail corridor and has a long-term plan to provide grade separations at these crossings. However, City is considering quiet zones for interim conditions. These crossings generally serve as major thorough ways. Brief description about these crossings are as follows: Churchill Avenue: This crossing is in close proximity to Palo Alto High School and serves as a major school corridor. Churchill Avenue also servers as a connection to Stanford Center. The corridor is highly used by bicyclists and serves a major pedestrian and bicycle use. In addition, City is also currently in process of implementing safety improvements at this crossing that include pre-signal and provisions for bicycle and pedestrian crossings along Churchill Avenue. Meadow Drive: This crossing also serves elementary, middle and high schools in the corridor. In addition, the City's recreation center such as Mitchell Park and Magical Playground are in the vicinity. The intersection is also used by pedestrians and bicyclists and a marked bike lane runs through the crossing. Charleston Road: Charleston Road corridor runs from Mountain View to the east serving the residential and school areas and connects to employment areas serving Tesla, VMWare and major employ runs through the This crossing also serves Gunn High Schools in the corridor. In addition, the City's recreation center such as Mitchell Park and Magical Playground in the area. The intersection is also used by pedestrians and bicyclists and a marked bike lane runs through the crossing. The focus of this project will be on the three at-grade crossings within the City boundary of Palo Alto. This project will perform the study and identify improvements required to implement quiet zone in accordance with CPUC And FRA requirements. There is currently no existing railroad quiet zone within the City of Palo Alto. Without a quiet zone, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requires all passenger and freight train to activate their horns four times: 2 long blasts, 1 short blast, then 1 long blast beginning 1/4 mile before each crossing. The purpose of these blasts is to warn vehicles approaching the crossings. Question Submission Deadline: October 18, 2023, 1:00pm Question Response Deadline: October 23, 2023, 5:00pm. Finalists Identified (Tentative): December 20, 2023 Consultant Interviews (if needed): January 8, 2024 Consultant Selection and Contract Preparation (Tentative): January 22, 2024 City Council Approval Date (Tentative): March 18, 2024 Work Commences (Tentative): March 25, 2024. The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.
.webp)
