Grade Separation Update: Pile Driving Continues—But Only During Daytime

Pile driving, which is the first step in the construction of the foundation of the grade separation, began last week. The pile driving, which can be very noisy, will be limited to daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The work will involve excavation, drilling and machines that hammer or drive columns into the ground. A total of 361 piles will be driven into the ground over the course of six to eight weeks at a pace of two piles per hour. 

This work may require temporary lane closures and delays at the San Bruno and San Mateo avenues intersection. Traffic cones and flaggers will direct motorists and pedestrians around the affected areas. 

Other work, which includes digging and concrete removal work with a backhoe, mini-excavator, and jackhammer, and the loading and unloading of gravel, will be done from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rails and ties will be removed and replaced and there will be some grading work. At times, noise levels could be as high as 75 decibels. 

Night work, which will may also require a backhoe, mini-excavator and jackhammer, will take place from Saturday, Feb. 11 to Friday Feb. 17 between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., outside of peak passenger service hours. Crews will use generators to power portable light towers. The work will be done in accordance with Caltrain and city agreements and ordinances. 

The $147 million project will elevate the Caltrain tracks above three existing at-grade street crossings at San Bruno, San Mateo and Angus avenues. A new elevated Caltrain station between San Bruno and San Mateo avenues will replace the station at Sylvan Avenue. 

For more information, please call the dedicated outreach line at 650-508-7726 or email sbgradesep@caltrain.com.

—Caltrain