Temporary Churchill Ave Rail Closure Review

What's New

Several safety priorities have been implemented and others evaluated focused on enhanced safety measures at Palo Alto’s four train crossings. This includes Council-approved temporary 24/7 human monitors at all Palo Alto crossings as of February. Staff presented an analysis and evaluation of what would be required to implement a temporary closure to the City Council in April following a listening session held in March to gain community feedback.

In mid-May, the Council directed staff to not pursue a temporary closure of the Churchill Avenue rail crossing at Alma St., and continue exploring options for a long-term rail crossing guard program, gain targeted recommendations and strategies to address safety risks, expedite quiet zone implementation at all four Palo Alto crossings, and explore collaboration with Caltrain to enhance safety measures.

May 11 City Council Meeting Minutes(PDF, 578KB)

Wellness Resources & Support

Local community resources and grief support are available communitywide and also specifically for our teens. A short list of support resources and programs, can be found here. Whether you’re going through a crisis or want to help a friend in need, call or text 9-8-8 to talk to a trained counselor who can support you.

Wellness Resources

Background

This effort included community engagement, assessment of potential impacts such as emergency response (including police, fire and ambulance), rerouting and safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, vehicular traffic circulation, and definition of potential closure elements including signage, signal changes, fencing and closure materials for diagnostic review by CPUC staff.

The Council approved temporary 24/7 human monitors at all Palo Alto crossings as of February 23. Additionally, longer-term permanent safety enhancements continue to advance. Read a recent rail safety status update here. Additionally, review a Statement issued by Mayor Vicki Veenker.

Community Engagement

Thanks to all who attended the listening session on March 12 to share input on the City's review of a temporary closure of the Churchill Avenue rail crossing. About 85 community members attended in person, with 254 watching live and 80 viewing the YouTube recording afterwards. The listening session recording is available on our project page and replaying on our cable channel, supported by Mid-Pen Media. Input was summarized and shared with the Council on Wednesday, April 15. Staff report and attachments for the April 15 Council meeting.

Watch: March 12 Listening Session Recording

Share Feedback: Thank you for everyone who submitted comments via the online form, it is now closed. Email the City Council and City Manager's Office to share feedback.

Participate at the Council Meeting: After hearing public comment at the April 15 meeting, the City Council decided to continue the discussion on May 11. Meeting details and agenda.

Community Events & Resources

Project Factsheet & FAQs to Download(PDF, 626KB)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps ahead?

The information gathered at the listening session and online feedback allows staff and local/regional partners to identify key issues and concerns. Staff will develop a summary of feedback gained on how to proceed for the City Council’s consideration, available after March 26 at www.paloalto.gov/councilagendas.

Does the City have a traffic study on the impacts of this potential crossing closure?

Due to a quick turnaround time, staff will analyze existing traffic data to prepare for an April 15 City Council meeting on this topic. Staff will also review information from consultants related to other transportation projects like grade separation and assess the applicability. If the City Council directs staff to conduct additional traffic analysis on the potential rail crossing closure impacts, that would take place after the April 15 meeting.

What does temporary closure mean?

In consultation with Caltrain, the City discussed whether a closure would need to be complete fencing off of the crossing or if the crossing could be open before and after school and closed at other times. Based on complexity and effectiveness to limiting means, we are assuming the crossing would need to always be closed.

Who needs to approve a temporary closure?

If the City Council wishes to close the crossing, approval is required by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Our current work is meant to provide the City Council with information from the evaluation and community feedback to provide staff direction on whether to seek CPUC approval. We’ve also received an initial indication that train horns could be silenced during a closure.

Who represents Palo Alto on the Rail Safety Ad Hoc Committee?

Chair Council member Julie Lythcott-Haims, Council member Pat Burt, and Vice Mayor Greer Stone.

What are the City’s long-term safety measures currently being explored?

The City in collaboration with PAUSD, added a human presence at all local rail crossings as of Feb. 23.
To enhance mental health by reducing the reminder of lethal means, staff is evaluating implementing quiet zones through deactivation of train horns at all Palo Alto rail crossings.
Enhanced safety improvements have been installed at the Churchill, Meadow and Charleston crossings. These improvements include high visibility markers, delineators, striping, and the Rail Sentry system (camera/video, Lidar-Light Detection and Ranging- and AI technology).
In December, Council reaffirmed the partial undercrossing for motor vehicles at Churchill with a pedestrian/bicycle undercrossing at Seale Avenue as the locally preferred alternative for grade separation at Churchill Avenue, and the hybrid alternative at Meadow Drive and the direct ramp underpass alternative for the Charleston Road crossing.