Southern Caltrain Construction Set to Begin

Construction on the second phase of Caltrain's CTX project will kick off in February. South CTX covers work areas between Atherton and San Jose, and construction is expected to last through mid-2004.

Work will take place all along the rail corridor, including track rehabilitation in key areas, replacing jointed rail with continuous welded rail and renewing deteriorated cross ties for improved ride quality as well as installing a new signal system known as Centralized Traffic Control. CTC allows dispatchers to switch trains remotely, improving operating efficiency and flexibility along the 140-year-old rail corridor.

The $49 million contract was awarded to Herzog Construction Corp./ Stacy and Witbeck Inc., A Joint Venture, the current North CTX contractor.

The most involved portion of the project includes upgrading to a four-track segment to accommodate upcoming Baby Bullet express trains between Fair Oaks and Bowers avenues in Sunnyvale. The two additional tracks will run through the Lawrence Caltrain Station, which will be completely rebuilt as part of this construction project.

The new station will include a pedestrian tunnel, ramp and stairs that will be ADA accessible. Other improvements include new station platforms, parking areas, lighting and a shuttle bus stop. New signage and improved landscaping also will be added to make the station more modern and comfortable for Caltrain riders.

The CTX project is the largest rail improvement in Caltrain's history. Work continuing on the North CTX project includes track rehabilitation, completing CTC between San Francisco and Atherton, adding passing tracks in two locations and completing work at the new Millbrae Intermodal Station.