Projects, Studies and Programs: Capitol Expressway Light Rail Project - Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
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Capitol Expressway Light Rail Project


Project Description  

The Capitol Expressway Transit Improvement Project will transform Capitol Expressway into a multi-modal boulevard offering bus rapid transit, light rail transit, and safe pedestrian and bicycle pathways with connections to the regional trail system. The project includes the following two phases:

Phase I of the project will include improvements along Capitol Expressway to accommodate pedestrian access and to improve safety.  The project includes new sidewalks, pedestrian lighting and a landscaping buffer between the sidewalk and the roadway for almost the entire length of the corridor.  These improvements will also support the subsequent bus rapid transit (BRT) shelters and amenities at Story and Ocala as part of the future Santa ClaraAlum Rock (BRT) service along Capitol Expressway.

   
Phase I- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements on Capitol Expressway

Phase II will extend light rail from the existing Alum Rock Light Rail Station to the
Eastridge Transit Center. Light rail will operate primarily in the center of Capitol Expressway with elevated track structures crossing Capitol Avenue, Story Road, and Tully Road. The Eastridge extension will include three stations: Story Road, Ocala Avenue (optional), and the reconstruction of the Eastridge Transit Center.  

Project Status

  • The planning process for improving transit services in the Capitol Expressway
    Corridor has been ongoing since early 1999.
  • In May 2005 and in August 2007, the VTA Board of Directors certified the Final Environmental Impact Report and approved the Light Rail Alternative.
  • In order to be eligible for federal funding, VTA is in the process of preparing a
    Categorical Exclusion/Categorical Exemption for the Bus Rapid Transit Project and an Environmental Impact Statement for the Light Rail Alternative.
  • Design plans for the light rail improvements and associated utility relocation plans and right-of-way mapping has been completed to a final design level.
  • The pedestrian improvement portion of the project along the expressway will be constructed prior to the completion of light rail. This work includes sidewalk, landscaping and street lighting on Capitol Expressway between Capitol Avenue and Quimby Road.
  • VTA is in the process of preparing construction documents for these pedestrian improvements. 

Project Schedule

  • Obtain federal environmental clearance                                Summer 2009 to early 2011 
  • Acquire property for pedestrian improvements                      Begin early 2010
  • Construction for pedestrian improvements                            Begin early 2011
    Construction for Eastridge Transit Center and light rail        To be determined based on future funding.

Project Cost

The cost for Phase I Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements is $25 million, which is included in the approved VTA FY 2010-11 budget. The total cost of the extension of light rail from the Alum Rock Transit Center to Eastridge Transit Center is $334 million. This project is included in the 2000 Measure A Transit Improvements Program.

How to Reach Us

If you have any questions about the Capitol Expressway Light Rail Project, please contact VTAs Community Outreach Department at (408) 321-7575, TTY for the hearing-impaired (408) 321-2330. You may also visit us on the web at
www.vta.org, or e-mail us at community.outreach@vta.org.