North Fair Oaks track crossing plans still unclear

The study, funded by a a $356,163 grant from the California Department of Transportation and other county department funds, was intended to explore better bicycle and pedestrian connections in the area bound by El Camino Real to the west, Fifth Avenue to the south, Middlefield Road to the east, and the county border with Redwood City to the north.

Nearly two years after launching the study and multiple rounds of engagement and reviews, the report produced from that work falls short of identifying a preferred plan forward. Multiple issues arose during the study including conflicts with major water lines, Caltrain electrification infrastructure and Dumbarton Corridor improvements.

“Each of the three crossing options at this point has presented complications and constraints and has made it difficult within the scope of the scheduled time frame of this effort to recommend a preferred crossing option,” planning staff said.

Instead of a single recommendation, the report identifies three preferred options, a technical evaluation and insight into community feedback. Option A calls for a tunnel to be built at Dumbarton Avenue but residents expressed safety concerns about having to travel through a tunnel. Option B proposes building a bridge over Dumbarton Avenue though the elevation of the bridge was of concern.

Both options A and B would likely conflict with existing water system infrastructure, prompting the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to write a letter of support for Option C which calls for building a bridge crossing the railroad tracks around Buckingham Avenue and connecting with the Middlefield Junction housing development.

Like Option B though, that elevation of that bridge would also be a concern given that both would need to clear train electrification equipment. And each proposal would cause substantial decreases in on-street parking.

Each option also came with a series of road improvements meant to make walking and biking easier and safer. Those improvements were largely similar with bulbouts, traffic circles, better lighting, more signs and other upgrades.

“There are a number of things the county can do to advance these community connections,” said Joel Slavit, a senior sustainability specialist with the county, adding that the Middlefield Junction site will include some pedestrian improvements.

Commissioner Fred Hansson said a final plan depends on what staff believes should be the main objective of the project.

Commissioner Manuel Ramirez, who has lived on both sides of the tracks, shared concerns about the project timeline, noting talks about some type of crossing project begun back in 2011 as part of the North Fair Oaks Community Plan.

The area, which is the most densely populated of the county’s unincorporated land, is home to a high number of people who use alternative transportation and also a high rate of bike and pedestrian collisions, according to the report. For years now, Ramirez said, residents have been asking for a crossing in the area and other street improvements.

“My concern is it’s taking way too long,” Ramirez said. “Thirteen years have gone by and we haven’t moved a bit on this so I hope going forward this is not another 10-year project for the community.”

Staff will next present the report to the North Fair Oaks Community Council next week and will eventually present it to the Board of Supervisors some time in March.

sierra@smdailyjournal.com

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