Caltrain Finishes Creek Stabilization Work 3 Weeks Early

MENLO PARK, CA — Caltrain has completed major stabilization work along San Francisquito Creek three weeks ahead of schedule, strengthening infrastructure between Menlo Park and Palo Alto ahead of the winter storm season.

The $14 million project aims to protect the San Francisquito Creek Railroad Bridge and the Alma Street pedestrian and bicycle bridge from erosion. The improvements also help safeguard the historic El Palo Alto tree.

According to an Oct. 16 Caltrain news release, crews completed construction in the creek Sept. 23, ahead of an Oct. 15 deadline set by environmental regulators.

The project follows severe winter storms in 2023 that eroded the creek banks, threatening the ground supporting both bridges. Caltrain installed temporary stabilization measures that November before moving forward with permanent repairs.

Construction included reinforcing the creek banks with boulders and vegetation, excavating and grading soil, replacing a Menlo Park storm drain outfall with a backflow prevention device and restoring habitat through native plantings.

“As El Niño approaches, we’re making sure our infrastructure is ready to weather the storm,” Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard said in the release.

The project is a partnership between Caltrain and the cities of Menlo Park and Palo Alto.

Although the major creek work is complete, landscaping and irrigation installation remain underway and are expected to wrap up by the end of November.

Residents can find more information on Caltrain's project page.