Construction Overview
Caltrain Electrification construction is occurring between the 4th and King Station in San Francisco and Tamien Station in San Jose. Construction activities include locating underground utilities, testing soil conditions, inspecting signal/communication equipment, pruning/removing trees, and installing foundations in preparation for the installation and operation of the Overhead Contact System that will power the new electric trains.
Work will be performed during the day and at night. In order to limit the impact to regular train service, night work will occur between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. when there are fewer regular service trains.
Construction Map
Click the map below for construction progress along the corridor. Work is organized by four segment areas, with work occurring in segments 2 and 4 followed by work in segments 1 and 3. Current work is indicated by the 
red circles on the map. Last Updated: May 29, 2020.
San Francisco
Brisbane
South S.F.
San Bruno
Millbrae
Burlingame
San Mateo
Belmont
San Carlos
Redwood City
Uninc. San Mateo County
Atherton
Menlo Park
Menlo Park
Palo Alto
Mountain View
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
Santa Clara
San Jose
Weekly Updates
For the upcoming week, the activities associated with the electrification infrastructure component of the CalMod Program are the following. Sign up for weekly updates here.
For more additional information about construction, please visit our City Specific Resources page.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during night to perform switch isolations, install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
Caltrain is currently constructing a Paralleling Station facility at the Bayshore Station parking lot. The Bayshore Station will remain open during construction. To learn more, please visit our Resources page.
During work hours at the 22nd St. station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during night to perform switch isolations, install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
Caltrain is currently constructing a Paralleling Station facility at the Bayshore Station parking lot. The Bayshore Station will remain open during construction. To learn more, please visit our Resources page.
During work hours at the Bayshore station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible. During construction motorists and pedestrians may experience intermittent delays while crews move equipment through at-grade crossings.
During work hours at the South San Francisco station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible. During construction motorists and pedestrians may experience intermittent delays while crews move equipment through at-grade crossings.
On August 5 crews will be installing an 8×8 signal house at the intersection of Huntington and Euclid next to the tracks during the day. This will require a temporary closure of one northbound lane of Huntington from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Through traffic will be allowed in both directions during this time. Cones and digital messaging boards will be in place. Once the signal house is installed the lane will be re-opened.
During work hours at the San Bruno station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Millbrae station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Burlingame and Broadway stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
During work hours at the San Mateo, Hayward Park and Hillsdale stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install equipment on the rail an locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Belmont station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install equipment on the rail an locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the San Carlos station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Redwood City station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
Crews will be working during the day to install a signal house on Caltrain property near Watkins Avenue. Construction activities include excavation, pouring of concrete and the construction of a new signal house that will help regulate signaling power to the new electric trains. Work will take place during the weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Limited Saturday work may be required. To learn more, please visit our Resources page.
During work hours at the Atherton station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to prune and remove trees along the project route, install foundations and locate underground utilities. Caltrain will be working during the night to string wires on poles, install cantilevers on poles, install poles, install foundations, install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Menlo Park station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to prune and remove trees along the project route, install foundations and locate underground utilities. Caltrain will be working during the night to string wires on poles, install cantilevers on poles, install poles, install foundations, install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
On August 6 and 7, Caltrain crews will be working to clear and re-plant some shrubbery along the right of way near the intersection of Alma Street and East Meadows Drive. This work will require a temporary closure of one southbound lane of Alma Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Through traffic will be allowed in both directions during this time. Cones and digital messaging boards will be in place, and the lane will be re-opened once work is complete.
Caltrain is currently constructing a Paralleling Station facility located near 187 Page Mill Road on Caltrain property in Palo Alto. From June 9, 2020 to January 2021, crews will utilize a portion of Page Mill Road between Sheridan Avenue and Park Boulevard for construction staging. Vehicles may enter the Caltrain parking lot from Sheridan Avenue, but must exit the parking lot via California Avenue. During construction, crews will use this portion of Page Mill road for intermittent deliveries of equipment and construction supplies to and from the staging area. To learn more, please visit our Resources page.
During work hours at the Palo Alto and California stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to prune and remove trees along the project route, install foundations and locate underground utilities. Caltrain will be working during the night to string wires on poles, install cantilevers on poles, install poles, install foundations, install equipment on the rail and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
During work hours at the Mountain View and San Antonio stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day locate underground utilities. Caltrain will be working during the night to string wires on poles, install cantilevers on poles, install foundations, install equipment on the rail, remove abandoned cable and locate underground utilities. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
Electrification crews have begun installing two gantries at the Sunnyvale Paralleling Station, which has been under construction since last year. For more information on the facilities that will power the electric trains, please visit our project website.
During work hours at the Sunnyvale and Lawrence stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to install conduit and locate underground utilities. Caltrain will be working during the install cantilevers on poles, install foundations, install equipment on the rail, locate underground utilities and remove abandoned cables. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
Caltrain Electrification crews are staging materials and equipment between the Santa Clara Station and the College Park Station in San Jose. Construction staging will occur along the Caltrain right-of-way south of the Santa Clara Station. Caltrain has temporarily closed parking spaces #256-269 and #277-290 at the Santa Clara station for crews to stage equipment. To learn more about staging area construction activities, please visit our Resources page.
During work hours at the Santa Clara station all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
On August 1 to August 7, Caltrain will be working during the day to install conduit. Caltrain will be working during the night to install cantilevers on poles, install equipment on the rail, locate underground utilities and remove abandoned cables. Day work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and the field team will work as quietly as possible.
Caltrain Electrification crews are staging materials and equipment between the Santa Clara Station and the College Park Station in San Jose. Construction staging will occur along the Caltrain right-of-way south of the Santa Clara Station. Caltrain has temporarily closed parking spaces #256-269 and #277-290 at the Santa Clara station for crews to stage equipment. To learn more about staging area construction activities, please visit our Resources page.
During work hours at the Diridon, Tamien and College Park stations all passengers will board and de-board from the same platforms. Please look for the signs to indicate which platform to use. If you have any questions, feel free to call Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287.
For more information, please call the dedicated outreach line at 650.508.6499; visit the website at www.calmod.org or email calmod@caltrain.com.
Construction Activities
Overhead Catenary System
Caltrain Electrification includes the installation of the overhead catenary system (OCS) which consists of foundations, poles, and four different types of wires.
Overhead Catenary System
Caltrain Electrification includes the installation of the overhead catenary system (OCS) which consists of foundations, poles, and four different types of wires.
Potholing
In order to prepare for the installation of foundations and poles, crews use an industrial vacuum to excavate each foundation location and confirm the condition and location of underground utilities.
Potholing
In order to prepare for the installation of foundations and poles, crews use an industrial vacuum to excavate each foundation location and confirm the condition and location of underground utilities.
Foundation Installation
Over 3,000 concrete foundations will be installed along the Caltrain corridor. Crews use an auger drill to dig a hole, place rebar, and then pour concrete to fill the hole. The concrete foundation is left to set for a month before crews can return, remove formwork, and install a pole atop the foundation. Some foundations will be used to support a guy-wire.
Foundation Installation
Over 3,000 concrete foundations will be installed along the Caltrain corridor. Crews use an auger drill to dig a hole, place rebar, and then pour concrete to fill the hole. The concrete foundation is left to set for a month before crews can return, remove formwork, and install a pole atop the foundation. Some foundations will be used to support a guy-wire.
Pole Installation
After a foundation has been set, crews return to install the poles and catenary supports which hold the overhead wires. Poles are between 30-50 feet high and are installed using cranes and off-track equipment. Depending on site conditions and system requirements, poles can be placed outside or in between the set of railroad tracks. In most locations, poles are placed approximately 180′ apart.
Pole Installation
After a foundation has been set, crews return to install the poles and catenary supports which hold the overhead wires. Poles are between 30-50 feet high and are installed using cranes and off-track equipment. Depending on site conditions and system requirements, poles can be placed outside or in between the set of railroad tracks. In most locations, poles are placed approximately 180′ apart.
Wire Installation
Once there is a continuous set of poles in an area, crews will string the wires needed for the system. These wires provide 25kV overhead power to the new electric trains.
Wire Installation
Once there is a continuous set of poles in an area, crews will string the wires needed for the system. These wires provide 25kV overhead power to the new electric trains.
Tree Pruning/Removal
An electrical safety zone (ESZ) of up to 24 feet from the tracks has been established in order to provide the required clearance for the overhead catenary system. Trees within the ESZ must be pruned or removed prior to construction. Caltrain will replace all trees removed or pruned more than 25%.
Tree Pruning/Removal
An electrical safety zone (ESZ) of up to 24 feet from the tracks has been established in order to provide the required clearance for the overhead catenary system. Trees within the ESZ must be pruned or removed prior to construction. Caltrain will replace all trees removed or pruned more than 25%.
Traction Power and Substation Info
Traction power substations supply and regulate the power to the electrified system. Ten of these substations will be installed between San Francisco and San Jose. For more information on the different types of substations and their locations, visit the Traction Power Substation Page.
Traction Power and Substation Info
Traction power substations supply and regulate the power to the electrified system. Ten of these substations will be installed between San Francisco and San Jose. For more information on the different types of substations and their locations, visit the Traction Power Substation Page.
Bridge Barriers
All bridges that cross over Caltrain tracks will require the installation of a protective barrier and screen to ensure the safety of both our trains and the public.
Bridge Barriers
All bridges that cross over Caltrain tracks will require the installation of a protective barrier and screen to ensure the safety of both our trains and the public.
Insulated Joint Installation
Before Caltrain can convert to an electrified system, insulated joints must be installed in order for the train locations to be detected along the corridor by the signal system. Crews will remove sections of rail and install prefabricated insulated joints. The prefabricated joints are then welded and ground to form a continuous rail along the corridor.
Insulated Joint Installation
Before Caltrain can convert to an electrified system, insulated joints must be installed in order for the train locations to be detected along the corridor by the signal system. Crews will remove sections of rail and install prefabricated insulated joints. The prefabricated joints are then welded and ground to form a continuous rail along the corridor.
Duct Bank Installation
The new electrified system will require the installation of additional underground electrical, signal, and communications cabling known as duct banks.
Duct Bank Installation
The new electrified system will require the installation of additional underground electrical, signal, and communications cabling known as duct banks.
