RECEIVE update on the Salinas Rail Kick Start project.

Activities on the Salinas Rail Kick Start project since the last update on October 7, 2019 include progress on construction of Package 1, the Lincoln Avenue Extension and parking improvements.

The capital cost of the Monterey County Rail Extension project, Phase 1, Salinas Kick Start project (the Salinas station and improvements in Santa Clara County), is estimated at $81 million. The Kick Start project is proceeding with secured state funding under the adopted state environmental clearance. Package 1, Salinas Station access and parking improvements, has a construction contract budget of $7,487,989. The team has approved three change orders, with a combined cost of $33,755.48, which were paid out of the Board-approved contingency fund for this project of $1,123,200.

The Monterey County Rail Extension Project extends passenger rail service from Santa Clara County south to Salinas. TAMC is pursuing a phased implementation of the Project. Phase 1, known as the Kick Start Project, includes Salinas train station circulation improvements, a train layover facility in Salinas, and track improvements at the Gilroy station and between Salinas and Gilroy. The Kick Start Project is proceeding with construction of Package 1, improvements at the Salinas train station. The layover facility and track improvements are ready for final design, pending comments from Union Pacific Railroad.

Package 1:  Salinas Station Improvements

TAMC hired Monterey Peninsula Engineering (MPE) for construction of Package 1, MNS Engineers as Construction Managers on the project, and HDR Engineering to provide design support during construction.

In October, MPE continued to make progress constructing the Lincoln Avenue Extension and associated parking improvements. MNS and TAMC approved three change orders for: 1) City of Salinas grading permit requirements not included in the bid documents, 2) updating plans to accommodate City-directed utility changes, and 3) to remove and dispose of a newly-discovered underground tank and related unsuitable material.

Package 2: Salinas Layover Facility

TAMC staff continues to oversee AR/WS, Meyers Nave, Geocon, and Rincon consultants to further negotiations to acquire portions of five parcels and one entire parcel for Package 2, the Salinas layover facility.

Package 3: Gilroy Station & Track Improvements, Operations Scenarios

TAMC staff will meet with Caltrain staff following the next Megaregion meeting on November 12.