This is is a big issue for San Mateo, with a lot of potential to reduce pollution and noise. But the electrification of Caltrain is being bankrolled by High Speed Rail money, which will mean more and possibly faster trains and other construction impacts.
And the electrification itself will mean tall poles and overhead wiring on the train tracks, more cutting back of trees for clearance from the wires, and more construction disturbance for North Central San Mateo, where we are already scheduled to be dealing with a lot of construction coming over the next two years as the train bridges are being replaced. And more work for High Speed Rail may follow that.,
So, here are links to info about the project:
First, the public meetings:
Wednesday, April 2, 6 – 8 p.m.If you can make the meetings, here’s a link to the presentation
Caltrain’s page on the “modernization”
Draft Environmental Impact Report
Caltrain’s promo video for the project (not much detail, but some visual on what it will look like, especially where obscured by trees)
Your comments can make this project better — Caltrain is legally obligated to respond.
Email your comments: electrification@Caltrain.com (be sure to include the subject line “Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project”)
You can copy your comments to the City of San Mateo for inclusion in the City’s comments here: chans@cityofsanmateo.org
or by mail: Caltrain Attn: Stacy Cocke, Senior Planner P.O. Box 3006 San Carlos, CA 94070-1306Deadline is April 29, 2014, to have your say.
Here’s the FAQ
North Central Neighborhood 