Alma Street/Charleston Road Safety Improvements Project
- Project typeTraffic and Transportation
- Project valuePhase 1 (Preliminary Engineering) $700,000
Project Description
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in cooperation with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Power Board (JPB) and the City of Palo Alto, are proposing immediate improvements at Charleston Road and Alma Street to enhance safety. Council will consider recommendations in Spring 2026, with construction slated in late 2026 with improvements designed and implemented by the City in the City’s right of way, and by the JPB in the JPB’s right of way.
This project is separate and independent from the ongoing rail grade separation conversations and addresses more immediate safety concerns at this crossing. Community engagement is planned later this fall to gain feedback on the project recommendations.
Scope of Work
Design elements and benefits include:
- Installation of a pre-signal
- Traffic signal modifications
- Street lighting improvements
- Roadway resurfacing
- Sidewalk realignment and/or widening
- Drainage improvements
- Utility relocations
- Signage and striping
Upcoming Community Meeting
Tuesday October 28, 2025 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Midtown Room, Mitchell Park Library
3700 Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94303
Go to the Calendar Listing
Project Documents & Information
2023 Contract between the City of Palo Alto and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)(PDF, 706KB)
City Council Staff Report re Contract with BKF Engineers(12-2-2024)(PDF, 111KB)
Similar to the Churchill safety improvements, this crossing was identified for possible funding of hazard elimination and safety improvements through the Federal Section 130 funds. The Section 130 program is a federally funded program, administered by the states, for the elimination of hazards at at-grade highway-rail crossings and based on data methodology based on train and vehicle volumes, geometric factors, pedestrians, buses and hazmat vehicles, and incident history. Phase 1 of Section 130 funding will reimburse the actual and direct costs of the Preliminary Engineering phase of this project.
Location
Alma St and Charleston Rd, Palo Alto, CA View Map
37.4148084,-122.1184896
Alma St and Charleston Rd ,
Palo Alto, CA
Alma St and Charleston Rd ,
Palo Alto, CA
Alma Street/Charleston Road Safety Improvements Project