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 has wrapped up construction of Package 1, improvements at the Salinas train station. The layover facility (Package 2) and track improvements (Package 3) are now in final design.
Property Acquisition for 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 special counsel from Burke, Williams, & Sorensen to further negotiations and finalize the remaining acquisitions in Salinas, and the team of Bender Rosenthal and Nossaman for Union Pacific property access negotiations.
Final Design for Package 2 and Package 3: Gilroy Station & Track Improvements
HDR Engineering prepared the 100% plans, specifications and estimates for stakeholder review on September 1, 2022, and has gathered stakeholder input on those plans.
The final design team held the following meetings to further the project's design:
- High-Speed Rail, Gilroy, Caltrain, Caltrans, and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) related to Gilroy station and track coordination - February 9, March 13, 15, and 21
Operations Discussions
On March 2, 2023, the Caltrain Joint Powers Board (JPB) adopted the Memorandum of Understanding related to the extension of Caltrain service from Gilroy to Salinas (web attachment). The JPB resolution makes the service extension contingent on a fourth round trip of Caltrain service to Gilroy (attached).
Staff will present a verbal update on all activities at the meeting.