RECEIVE update on the Salinas Rail Kick Start project.

Activities on the Salinas Rail Kick Start project since the last update in October include progress toward completion of Package 1 and kick-off meetings for design of Packages 2 and 3.

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 is under construction by MPE Engineering for an original contract amount of $7,487,989 with a contingency fund of $1,123,200. Approved change orders now total $506,991.64 or 45% of the contingency fund approved by the Board.

The Monterey County Rail Extension Project will extend 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 October 2020, the construction team continued work on Railroad Avenue and the transit plaza. The construction work is now 72% complete per the amended budget and 95% percent complete per the schedule. The team currently anticipates completion of the project in early December. TAMC is organizing a ribbon-cutting photo op, with the option for virtual participation. Staff will give a verbal update at the meeting.

Package 2: Salinas Layover Facility

On December 4, 2019, the Transportation Agency Board approved Resolutions of Necessity on portions of four parcels and one full parcel needed for the Salinas layover facility. TAMC staff continues to oversee the right-of-way consulting team of AR/WS and Meyers Nave to further negotiations and finalize the acquisitions.

Package 3: Gilroy Station & Track Improvements, Operations Scenarios 

Staff has set up kick-off meetings for the design of Packages 2 and 3 with Union Pacific Railroad on November 3 and with Caltrain and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority for November 6.

Staff will provide a verbal update on all activities at the meeting.