Upcoming Traffic and Trail Impacts

Published on August 31, 2023

Find a summary of upcoming traffic related impacts and trail closures in effect, starting September 5.

Alma Street Traffic Advisory: September 5 - 8

Between September 5 and September 8, Caltrain will be performing potholing work in Palo Alto that will require a partial closure of Alma Street at East Meadow Drive and Alma Street at Charleston Road railroad crossings to vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The temporary closures are required due to construction equipment and crews entering and exiting the Caltrain right-of-way. Only one lane will be closed at a time, and while detours will be in place, delays should be expected. Work will take place between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Residents in the areas directly surrounding construction have received flyers from Caltrain.

In addition, starting September 11 through September 15, Caltrain will be performing additional potholing work that will require a partial closure of Alma Street between Tennyson and Seale Avenue and Alma Street at Forest Avenue. The temporary closures are required due to construction equipment and crews entering and exiting the Caltrain right-of-way. Work will take place between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday.  

This work is related to the Caltrain Electrification project. 

Ongoing Utilities Work & Related Traffic Impacts

Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project 31 involves replacing the sanitary sewer pipelines on El Camino Real from Page Mill Road to Cesano Court, and on Page Mill Road from 845 Page Mill Road to Ash Street in the public right-of-way. Utility infrastructure must be replaced and upgraded over time to continue the safe and reliable collection of sewer. As a result of this project, estimated to take approximately 10 months, there will be ongoing traffic closures. Sign up for weekly updates outlining past, current, and expected traffic impacts here.

Pearson Arastradero Nature Preserve Trail Closures: September 5 - October 15

Utilities will be conducting emergency erosion repair work to a city owned natural gas line within the Enid A. Pearson Arastradero Nature Preserve from September 5 through October 15, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. This work is necessary due to storm damage that occurred during the winter of 2022-2023. Arastradero Creek Trail between Arastradero Lake and Acorn Trail will be closed during work hours (week days only, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to all preserve users. Preserve visitors using Juan Baptista De Anza Trail between Arastradero Lake and Gate B should expect heavier than usual truck traffic related to construction activity on weekdays. Recreational use in the area of Gate B on weekdays is not recommended and the public is encouraged to avoid the area.

Baylands Nature Preserve Trail Closure: September 6

Valley Water will perform an inspection of the Palo Alto Flood Basin Tide Gate structure in the Baylands Nature Preserve on Wednesday, September 6. The intent is to assess the integrity of the existing structure. A crane will be used to raise one of the gates and this requires the Adobe Creek Loop Trail to be closed at the Tide Gate between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Signs in the preserve have been posted.