A northbound train blocks Broadway on Nov. 8 after hitting a vehicle that was too close to the tracks.
Media Contact: Randol White, 650-647-3489
The San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) Board of Directors approved $2.3 million in Measure A grade separation funds for additional pre-construction work for the Broadway Grade Separation Project in Burlingame at its November meeting.
The city of Burlingame is also contributing $200,000 toward this phase of the project.
This combined funding allows for a yet-to-be-approved contractor to participate in the final aspects of the design process, which is approaching 95% completion.
Project leaders say bringing a contractor on at this early stage can help lower costs and speed up construction in the long run. This same method is considered a factor in helping the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes project come in both on time and on budget.
"The money will help bring on board a qualified contractor to advise the design team regarding constructability requirements, project phasing, and the construction schedule,” said Burlingame Public Works Director Syed Murtuza. “This effort is aimed at expediting the project delivery and minimizing potential change orders and construction delays.”
The California Public Utilities Commission has placed the Broadway at-grade (street level) crossing at the top of its grade-separation priority list for Northern California. As recently as Nov. 8, a northbound Caltrain locomotive hit a vehicle that was too close to the tracks. Fortunately, nobody was killed during this collision, but other serious incidents have plagued the Broadway crossing for years, including three vehicle strikes in 2022 alone.
“Grade separation projects are one of the best options for creating safer roadways for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” said TA Executive Officer Peter Skinner. “They’re extremely expensive, however, so finding ways to streamline the process and lower the costs is a win-win for everyone.”
The total Burlingame Grade Separation project cost is estimated at $316 million with completion projected as early as December 2028. The project is eligible to receive up to 50% of the project cost from the TA’s grade separation program.
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About the Transportation Authority (TA): Created to administer Measure A, San Mateo County’s ½ cent sales tax, the TA provides funding for transportation projects and programs in San Mateo County. In 2004, more than 75 percent of San Mateo County voters reauthorize Measure A for an additional 25 years. In 2018, voters approved Measure W, the San Mateo County Congestion Relief Plan an additional ½ cent sales tax. The TA will administer half the revenue of Measure W and the San Mateo County Transit District will administer the other half to fund and implement the Congestion Relief Plan.
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