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<br /> 78 <br /> BRUCE LIEDSTRAND Page 6 <br /> COMMUNITY DESIGN DIRECTOR <br /> City and Palo Alto are the prime candidates for the single planned HSR <br /> stop on the Mid-Peninsula. Full grade separation is required if HSR is <br /> implemented. <br /> 3. Possible expansion of the 2-track rail system to 3-tracks or 4-tracks to <br /> accommodate additional Caltrain service levels and/or HSR service. The <br /> expansion is likely to require a widening of the existing Caltrain ROWand <br /> property acquisitions from adjacent properties. <br /> Caltrain Issues <br /> Grade Separation. The grade separation issue needs to be resolved in a way that <br /> is compatible with local development and integrates Caltrain into the fabric of <br /> downtown. Three grade separation scenarios: <br /> 1. Train at Grade Level. The train stays at grade level and the streets go <br /> under or over the tracks. The change of street elevation, either up or <br /> down, harms the pedestrian environment and destroys the <br /> relationship to adjacent development for at least a half a block each <br /> direction on that street. (For example, see how the Jefferson underpass <br /> separates the two sides of the tracks and makes a pedestrian <br /> connection difficult and uncomfortable.) This scenario is incompatible <br /> with integration of Caltrain into downtown and would make Caltrain <br /> even more of a barrier to integration of both sides of downtown. <br /> 2. Train in the Air. The train goes up in the air on a penetrable structure <br /> (not a wall or dirt berm) at least in downtown. People and vehicles <br /> can flow freely under the raised tracks and the area under the train is <br /> useable, perhaps even for structures. Putting the train in the air also <br /> raises issues of the visual impact. The train can be screened by <br /> buildings and trees (See Photo, Attachment 1) and, in Europe, the area <br /> under the rail tracks is sometimes used for shops and other city uses <br /> (See Photo, Attachment 2). This scenario is likely to be more expensive <br /> than "l", but less expensive than "3". <br /> 3. Train Underground. The train goes underground in a tube or covered <br /> trench (like BART in Berkeley or San Francisco). Land over the train <br /> can be fully utilized as a part of downtown. This is likely the most <br /> expensive scenario] but it creates the best long term living environment <br /> - 3- <br /> "_..~ - <br />