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City project

Caltrain Corridor Quiet Zone Implementation

Implementation of Quiet Zones along the Caltrain corridor at Palo Alto rail crossings, intended to improve crossing safety and eliminate routine train-horn use.

Current status
Study phase concluded; staff stated that design, construction, permitting, and certifications would follow council approval.
Location
Churchill, Meadow, and Charleston crossings, Palo Alto, CA
Street view near Churchill, Meadow, and Charleston crossings, Palo Alto, CA
Map of Churchill, Meadow, and Charleston crossings, Palo Alto, CA

  1. May 11, 2026 Council Direction

    Council directed staff to prioritize and expedite Quiet Zones at all four crossings, with emphasis on accelerating the Churchill Avenue crossing. It also directed exploration with Caltrain of gates or other options for enhanced enclosure or safety measures, separate from the Quiet Zone work.

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  2. December 10, 2025: City Council review update

    The reported recommendation covered four quad-gate systems at Churchill, Meadow, and Charleston crossings.

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  3. November 10, 2025 quiet-zone alternatives and implementation update

    Staff presented the Rail Committee's recommendation to use four-quadrant gate systems rather than wayside horns at Churchill, Meadow, and Charleston. Staff identified funding procurement and coordination with Caltrain to begin design as next steps following approval.

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