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 (Package 2) and track improvements (Package 3) 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 November, MNS brought on Laura Harris to assist with public outreach for the project.
In November and December 2019, the construction team continued to make progress constructing the Lincoln Avenue Extension and associated parking improvements. In November, the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water approved a waiver from the water main separation requirements with proposed alternative construction as mitigation for a water main replacement project on Railroad Avenue. As we entered storm season, the construction team continues to get positive reviews by the City of Salinas on their stormwater management. Staff and MNS Engineers are working on two change orders and will verbally present an update at the meeting.
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 four parcels and one entire parcel for Package 2, the Salinas layover facility. Pursuant to direction by the TAMC Board, staff provided Package 2 property owners with the full appraisal documents.
Package 3: Gilroy Station & Track Improvements, Operations Scenarios
TAMC staff met with Caltrain planning staff on November 12 to discuss their internal draft feasibility study to extend Caltrain service to Salinas and will meet to review a revised draft on January 14. TAMC staff met with Caltrain engineering staff on November 18 to discuss their comments on the 75% design plans for Packages 2 and 3. Staff is optimistic that the feasibility study stated an extension of service to Salinas is possible given certain attainable requirements. Staff also attended the Caltrain governance workshop on November 21.
TAMC staff have held phone briefings with our partners at the City of Gilroy and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Staff has reached out to the State Transportation Agency and Union Pacific to clarify next steps on negotiating for track rights for the service extension.