The Palo Alto City Council, along with Caltrain and the Palo Alto United School District, released a status update on railroad safety priorities yesterday by the Rail Safety Ad Hoc.
The updates, according to the city’s website, are being pursued to align with the City’s goals of “reducing risks, increasing safety, and supporting our youth.”
New safety initiatives will be applied to all Palo Alto railroad crossings, including a consideration to implement 24-hour human security presence at all crossings by the end of the month. PAUSD unanimously voted to share in the projected $1.7 million that this temporary measure will cost.
“Quiet Zones” — the limitation of train horns — will persist as well, with the City stating its expansion will hopefully benefit mental health and quality of life for residents.
Safety enhancements like including high visibility markers, delineators, striping, and a Rail Sentry system with camera, video and AI technology have been installed at the Churchill Avenue, Meadow Avenue and Charleston Avenue crossings. Updates to pedestrian and bikeways are also under construction.
Following a meeting with the California Public Utilities Commission last week, the City is considering a temporary closure of the Churchill Avenue and Alma Street crossing that backs Palo Alto High School. The Council is currently analyzing the temporary closure, with plans of possible action or follow-up within the next 60 days.
