Storm Drain Pump Stations and Systems Upgrades

• Project typeCapacity Improvements

Project Descriptions

The Corporation Way System Upgrades and Pump Station (SD-21000), West Bayshore Road Pump Station (SD-20000), and West Bayshore Road Trunk Line Improvements (SD-23000) projects are three of the highest-priority storms drain projects identified in the City’s 2015 Storm Drain Master Plan and three of the thirteen Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) identified on the 2017 stormwater management ballot measure. 

Typically, runoff drains through the storm drain pipes located beneath East or West Bayshore Road and discharge into Adobe Creek through outfalls sealed by flap gates. Runoff inside the pipes creates water pressure and opens the flap gates. During a 10-year storm event, the two outfalls do not function as intended. The water level in the creek rises over the flap gates, exerting higher pressure from the creek side and  preventing the flap gates from opening. This creates localized ponding near the intersection of East Bayshore Road and Corporation Way. Without the pump stations, this area is unable to drain until the Adobe creek water levels recede, which is typically several hours after the rainfall stops. Additionally, the existing 15-inch and 24-inch storm drain pipelines do not have the capacity to convey the projected storm runoff generated by a 10-year storm event.

Three of the thirteen CIP identified in the ballot measure are complete: the Loma Verde Avenue Trunk Line Improvement Project (SD-19000) in December 2020, and the East Meadow Drive (SD-26000) and East Meadow Circle (SD-22000) Capacity Upgrades in September 2024. This project is expected to take approximately 15 months, once completed six of the thirteen CIP will have been completed.  

The project design was advertised as a single package to avoid redundant analysis and as a cost savings to the City. Schaaf and Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers (Consultant) was selected to provide the design services, prepare plans and specifications, and provide construction administration services during construction. Both temporary and permanent easements were required from adjacent owners to place the pump stations on private property. After several rounds of review and coordination, these easements were secured in Spring 2023. Once the design was finalized, construction bids were solicited. This project underwent three rounds of solicitation; only one bid was received during second iteration. Ultimately, on the third and final solicitation three competitive bids were received, the lowest bid was from Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction, Inc. (Anderson Pacific). City Council authorized the construction contract to be awarded on April 7, 2025. 

Scope of Work

Project Status

The Notice to Proceed for construction was issued to Anderson Pacific Engineering and Construction, Inc. on May 27, 2025. Corporation Way System Upgrade and Pump Station are scheduled to be completed by Spring of 2027 and West Bayshore Road Pump Station and Trunkline Improvement is scheduled to be completed by Winter of 2027.

Construction Update - August 2026

Corporation Way Pump Station System Upgrade and Pump Station at East Bayshore Road

The City’s contractor is installing a storm water pump station at 3803 East Bayshore Road and upsizing the storm water pipe system on East Bayshore Road South of Adobe Creek and North of Corporation Way to eliminate the flooding that occurs in the rainy season. A partial lane closure on East Bayshore Road and detours for Northbound traffic are in place, and vehicular traffic in this direction will not be allowed South of Adobe Creek while this work is underway.

Since January City of Palo Alto Utilities Electric crews upgraded a nearby transformer to serve the project. Anderson Pacific installed approximately 800 feet of 36-inch storm pipe by micro tunneling from the intersection of Corporation Way to a receiving pit close to Adobe Creek on East Bayshore Road. The pipe was installed roughly 20 feet below grade, to avoid conflict with several utility trunklines in the area and minimize groundwater pumping. Anderson Pacific also constructed the wet-well and relocated several utilities needed to construct the project. Groundwater was encountered at the location and depth of the improvements.  Although groundwater was expected, there are several utility trunk lines including PG&E 34-inch gas line in the area that require the contractor to take extra precautions. This precaution for safety reasons created a delay in the project. The contractor is working to install approximately 55 feet of 36-inch storm water pipe from the receiving pit on East Bayshore Road to the storm water pump station wet well location at 3803 East Bayshore Road. Once this connection is made the above grade work can commence and the street re-opened. The road is anticipated to be open by Winter 2027.

• Work will continue through Spring 2027
• Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Traffic Control Plans(PDF, 10MB)  

Detours and construction equipment will remain in place after hours and weekends. Traffic control signage will be in place to detour bicycles and pedestrians. Please plan to take alternative routes, if possible.

Milestones and Upcoming Work:

• Replaced existing transformer with a new one that will also provide power to the pump station
• Relocated private fire service line and MCI line that conflicted with the proposed storm line
• Installed 800 feet, 20 feet deep of storm water pipe by micro tunneling. Micro tunneling work consisted of installation of a launch shaft (14 feet x 40 feet) and receiving shaft (18 feet x 8 feet). Installation of the storm pipe by micro tunneling avoided conflicts and relocation of utilities
• Excavated 23 feet deep wet well (14 feet x 15 feet) by sheet piling work
• Installation of 36-inch storm water pipe to be installed before winter of 2027 by auger boring.
• Installation of the electrical equipment and the pump station to be installed and completed by Spring 2027

West Bayshore Road Pump Station and Trunkline Improvement

The City’s contractor is installing a storm water pump station at 3600 West Bayshore Road and installing 18-inch storm water pipes from Adobe Creek crossing towards Loma Verde Avenue. Since January, approximately 1500 linear feet of 18-inch storm pipes, and 6 manholes were installed. Anderson Pacific also constructed the concrete wet well (15 feet x 21 feet) that will house storm water pumps and worked with City crews to relocate a fire hydrant. West Bayshore Road is expected to be resurfaced by October 31, 2026. Once the installation of the electrical lines, fiber lines, transformer and the electrical cabinet are complete, the station will need to be programmed and tested to verify it can function correctly during the rainy season. The testing will be done during the rainy season.  Expect temporary traffic controls on West Bayshore Road north of Adobe Creek crossing and south of Loma Verde Avenue until the road is resurfaced

• Work will continue through Winter 2027.
• Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.

Milestones and Upcoming Work:

• Installed 1500 linear feet of 18-inch storm pipe
• Installed 18 feet deep wet well (15 feet x 21 feet) to house the pump station
• Installed electrical and fiber conduit service lines from the main lines at West Bayshore Road to the transformer pad and the electrical cabinet
• Installed concrete pad for the transformer
• Installation of the concrete pad for the motor control center to be completed by end of August 2026
• Storm water pipelines and street work to be completed by Winter 2027
• Installation of the electrical equipment and the pump station to be installed and completed by Winter 2027

Project Locations