Capitol Expressway Light Rail Project

• Coordination Plan For Agency And Public Involvement
• Notice of Intent
• Scoping Information Packet
• Scoping Summary Report
• Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Annotated Outline

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 pathways with connections to the regional trail system. The project includes the following two phases:

Phase I of the project will include pedestrian and bus improvements along Capitol Expressway to accommodate pedestrian access and to improve safety. The project includes new sidewalks and a landscaping buffer between the sidewalk and the roadway along the expressway from Capitol Avenue to Quimby Road. During this phase the reconstruction of the Eastridge Transit Center will take place. These improvements will also support subsequent bus rapid transit (BRT) shelters and amenities at Story and Ocala as part of the future Santa Clara/Alum Rock (BRT) service along Capitol Expressway.

   
Phase I- Pedestrian and Safety Improvements on Capitol Expressway

Capitol Expressway Pedestrian Improvements Project Drawing: Cunningham Ave. to Quimby Road
Capitol Expressway Pedestrian Improvements Project Drawing: Capitol Ave. to Ocala Ave.

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 Eastridge.  

Project Status

• In May 2005 and in August 2007, the VTA Board of Directors certified the Final Environmental Impact Report, and the Supplemental EIR, respectively, and approved the Light Rail Alternative.
• In order to be eligible for federal funding, VTA is in the process of preparing 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 and landscaping 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            Completion in 2011
• Acquire property for bus improvements             Begin Fall  2010
• Construction for pedestrian improvements        Completion Date: June 2012
• Construction for Light Rail                               To be determined based on future funding

Project Cost

The cost estimate for Phase I Pedestrian and Bus Improvements including Eastridge Transit Center is $60 million, which includes State funding and is included in the approved VTA FY 2010-11 budget. The total cost estimate of the extension of light rail from the Alum Rock Transit Center to Eastridge Transit Center is $310 million. This project is included in the 2000 Measure A Transit Improvements Program.

Printable Factsheet (pdf)
Printable Factsheet Español (pdf)

How to Reach Us

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