Speedy rail’s route generates concerns
By: Will Reisman
Examiner Staff Writer
July 1, 2009
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| Flying by: A proposed high-speed rail running from Northern to Southern California would zip passengers between San Francisco and Los Angeles in about 2½ hours. (Courtesy photo) |
SAN FRANCISCO — Noise problems, environmental degradation, traffic congestion and plummeting property values were just some of the issues brought forth by communities that will be affected by the proposed high-speed rail route from San Jose to San Francisco.
In the next three months, California High-Speed Rail Authority officials will work on addressing all the issues, which were detailed Tuesday as part of a draft scoping report that compiles public feedback on the plan, according to Quentin Kopp, chairman of the organization.
At the end of September, a tentative analysis of the feedback will be released. That’s the next step in a lengthy list of processes for the $33 billion project, which could one day take passengers between San Francisco and Los Angeles in a little more than 2½ hours.
A total of 955 letters were submitted to the organization about a section of the proposed route that would link San Jose to San Francisco via the Peninsula. Comments came from an array of sources, including federal, state and local governments and transit agencies, and from private citizens.
“All of the requests and suggestions and objections will be analyzed,” Kopp said. “There will be no preordained preference in the order of analysis.”
The litany of concerns, compiled during a five-month period that closed in April, underscore the difficult task facing engineers.
Some municipalities said planners must look at potential impacts of high-speed rail on wildlife, trees and plants along the route. The city of Belmont wanted to ensure that an empty lot on Old County Road containing historically sensitive items from the 19th century is protected. Burlingame officials want planners to consider putting track underground throughout much of the region as an alternative to an above-ground route.
Others comments, like one issued from the city of Menlo Park, asked that a report be made on the prospects of property values plummeting because of the increased noise and vibration brought on by the rail line. San Francisco wants potential impacts on train and vehicular traffic considered.
Along with continuing to review public feedback, the organization is scheduled to begin the design analysis by the end of the year of the San Jose-San Francisco section, Kopp said. That study will examine the best design alternatives — be they underground, aerial or in trenches — for the route, he said.
Construction on the San Jose-San Francisco route is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2012, with full service planned for 2014.
Train-route details
Questions and answers about the proposed high-speed rail project.
What is the proposed high-speed rail route in the Bay Area? The route would terminate in downtown San Francisco and follow a path through San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, with proposed stops at Millbrae-SFO, Redwood City or Palo Alto and San Jose.
Where would trains run? The current proposal is to use the existing Caltrain right of way between The City and San Jose.
How fast would trains travel? Estimated travel time between The City and San Jose is 30 minutes
Where can I find out more? Online at www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov
Source: www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov
