Upcoming Roadway Construction Projects
Published on February 02, 2024
Updated as of February 2, 2024 to reflect weather delays.
Timing, Commute Impacts & More
The following update shares details about roadway construction projects that are either underway or will begin soon. Expect delays. Please plan your commute accordingly, take alternative routes if possible, and be aware of changing road conditions as this work continues in Palo Alto.
Caltrain Modernization & Electrification Work at Alma Street
Caltrain electrification and modernization work continues with trenching work on Alma Street.
Alma Street at Forest Avenue: Work will take place Monday, Feb. 5 through Friday, Feb. 16 between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The work will require partial lane closures of Alma Street near the Forest Avenue intersection and will impact vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Alma street at East Meadow Lane: Work will take place Monday, February 26 through Wednesday, March 6 between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The work will require partial lane closures of Alma Street at East Meadow Lane and will impact vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Alma Street between Tennyson and Seale Intersections: Work will take place Thursday, March 7 through Saturday, March 16 between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The work will require partial lane closures of Alma Street between Tennyson and Seale intersections and will impact vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
The temporary lane closures are required due to trenching and construction equipment and crews entering and exiting the Caltrain right-of-way along Alma Street. Directional signs and cones will direct vehicle traffic safely through the closures during construction. Only one direction will be closed at a time and access along these streets will be maintained.
For more information, contact the Caltrain project information line at (650) 399-9659 or toll free at (800) 660-4287. The project e-mail is calmod@caltrain.com. Learn more at www.calmod.org.
Caltrain Railroad Bridge at Oregon Expressway Repairs
On Monday, Feb. 5, Caltrain will begin eight weeks of overnight work to repair the railroad bridge over Oregon Expressway. The work will occur between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., and detours will be in place to direct traffic around the closure using Alma Street, El Camino Real, and Churchill Avenue. Beginning Feb. 5, the work will close only the westbound lanes of Oregon Expressway under Alma Street. On Mar. 4, the work will close only the eastbound lanes of Oregon Expressway under Alma Street.
Contact Information: George Bianchi Construction at (408) 453-3037 (Caltrain’s contractor). On site contact: Travis Bianchi at (408) 316-0745.
Caltrans El Camino Real Pavement and ADA Improvements from Palm Drive to California Avenue - DELAYED TO FEBRUARY 12
Caltrans will begin the State Route 82 (SR-82) El Camino Real Pavement Rehabilitation and Improvement project on southbound SR-82 from Palm Drive to California Avenue. The work for this portion of the project will begin Monday, Feb. 12 through Friday, Feb. 16, with work occurring between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.. Construction activities will include removing and replacing concrete at driveways, sidewalks, and ADA ramps. Shoulder lane closures will take place and several driveways will have limited and/or restricted access while construction activities take place. Message and directional signs will be in place and businesses and residents will experience normal construction noise. NOTE: Originally this work was to begin on February 5. Caltrans updated the start date to February 12.
Alma Street/Churchill Avenue Safety Improvements Project
The California Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Power Board (JPB) and the City of Palo Alto, proposed a railroad crossing improvement project at Churchill Avenue and Alma Street to enhance safety. The Alma Street/Churchill Avenue Safety Improvements project work started on Thursday, Jan. 25, beginning with surveying work and pothole repairs. Temporary lane closures will be in effect through spring. Other construction will follow this initial work, including underground utility installation and the pouring of the concrete foundations for new traffic signals. Work is expected to be ongoing through spring, followed by the concrete flatwork and roadway reconstruction in the summer. Work hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This project is separate and independent from the ongoing rail grade separation conversations and addresses more immediate safety concerns at this crossing. Learn more about this project.
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