Freight Railroad Relocation Project
The Freight Railroad Relocation (FRR) Project spans approximately eight miles
of railroad beginning in Fremont at Grimmer Boulevard passing through Milpitas
and ending at Montague Expressway in San Jose. The Santa Clara Valley
Transportation Authority (VTA) acquired the right-of-way in December 2002 from
the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) securing a vital north/south transit corridor
for Santa Clara County.
Several maintenance activities are necessary to transform this very important
corridor and make space for future transit. These important works activities
include relocating UPRR freight tracks, relocating utilities, grade separating
several major intersections, and enhancing flood control measures at multiple
creeks.
VTA will begin relocating utilities to lower depths using Horizontal
Directional Drilling technology at eight site total throughout the FRR
alignment.
Time: Monday - Saturday, 7 a.m. - 7
p.m.
Locations: Three sites at any one
time.
Durations: Approximately three weeks at each
site. |
Phase 1: Mobilization (3-5 days)
Activity: Crews
will begin to assemble materials and set up equipment on
site.
Impact: Minor noise from diesel engines. Minor traffic impacts
with brief lane closures. Dust will be controlled.
Phase 2:
Drilling Operations (5-12 days)
Activity: Drilling will
concentrate around the entry pit location, while welding and pip assembly will
occur near the exit pit and extend along the corridor.
Impact:
Expect constant diesel engine noise from drill rig, excavators and consturction.
No banging or pile-driving noise. Drill rigs may be visible over adjacent sound
walls.
Phase 3: Pipe Installation and De-Mobilization (3-5
days)
Activity: A long welded pipe will be pulled through
the single bore path at each location. Drill rigs will be dismantled and moved
to another location.
Impact: Minor noise from diesel engines. Dust
will be controlled.
Horizontal Directional Drilling:
VTA will implement horizontal directional boring technology
to install relocated utilities at select road intersections and creek crossings.
Directional drilling is a proven technology that creates less traffic
congestion, saves time, and is safer for the environment because it does not
disturb the above ground surface. Traditional trenching methods are more
disruptive to the public and will be used sparingly.
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-
Utility Relocation (July 2008 – July
2009):
Relocate existing utilities along the FRR alignment to
lower depths using Horizontal Directional Drilling methods and conventional
trenching.
-
Flood Control and Bridge Construction (April
2009 – October 2009):
Six culverts and two bridges will be
constructed during the 2009 dry season. These culverts are either a channel or
tunnel that direct water underneath the railroad track. A larger, enhanced
culvert will be installed at Berryessa Creek.
-
Track Roadbed and General Construction Activities
(October 2008 – October 2010):
VTA and its contractors will begin
to construct newly relocated trackbed next to the current railroad track. This
work will involve the importation of a large quantity of soil and granite
ballast (trackbed). Simultaneously, work crews will begin to seismically
retrofit Able Street Bridge.
-
Track Installation and Signal Work (July 2009 –
July 2011):
Upon completion of the tracked installation, UPRR will
install new railroad track and signal work to support freight operations along
the corridor.
-
Warren Avenue Grade Separation
(July 2010 – December 2011):
Warren Avenue will eventually be
grade separated and depressed under and newly constructed single railroad
bridge. This work will occur in multiple phases to allow for the continued
operation of the railroad.
-
Railroad Abandonment (Summer
2011):
After all railroad operations are proceeding as normal, the
old railroad will be officially abandoned and removed to clear the corridor
for future transit.
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If you have any question concerning the Freight Railroad Relocation Project,
please call VTA's Community Outreach Hotline at (408) 321-7575, hearing-impaired
(TDD only) (408) 321-2330 or email us at community.outreach@vta.org
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