The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority extended the recently constructed Caltrain tunnel, which now terminates at the center platform of the Santa Clara Caltrain Station. This tunnel extension is underneath the tracks of Union Pacific Railroad and includes a 200’ long ramp at the east end, connecting pedestrians and bicyclists from Brokaw Road to Railroad Avenue. The undercrossing extension is constructed with the cut and cover method, which requires a temporary shoe-fly to maintain the existing rail operations.
HMH provided base mapping services including supplementary field surveys, utility investigation and on-site utility locating. Preliminary engineering, including grading and drainage design was also prepared by HMH.
One of the project challenges was to protect the portal opening to the undercrossing from inundation from a major flood event. This was accomplished by elevating the ramp entry area at Brokaw Road above anticipated flood levels such that storm water would release through overland flows without flooding the tunnel.
The project team produced the Preliminary Engineering plans on time and within the approved budget.
Recipient of the 2018 ACEC California Engineering Excellence Awards The Golden State Award

* Video from Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority