Track rehabilitation to make ride smoother, less noisy
By: Mike Aldax
Examiner Staff Writer
March 22, 2009
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| On track: Graveyard-shift work to iron out defects on Caltrain rails is expected to last through April. (Examiner File Photo) |
SAN FRANCISCO — Caltrain commuters will soon enjoy a smoother train ride to work as graveyard-shift workers continue the three-week process of ironing out defects along 52 miles of track.
Caltrain crews recently began the overnight work of smoothing out the agency’s rails, using an industrial-sized grinder to iron out any kinks caused by aging and general wear-and-tear, the agency said.
“The rail grinding project will result in measurably reduced noise impacts for neighbors next to the right of way and a safer, smoother ride for passengers,” it said in a statement.
The work occurs between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. and is expected to be finished by April 13. The agency is warning those living near the tracks that they may hear the grinding as work progresses.
The contractor is required to maintain noise levels below 85 decibels at a distance of 25 feet from the center of the rail, the agency said. That kind of noise would sound like someone using shop tools or “someone shouting,” the agency said. The work should be “quieter than a train whistle or a gas-powered lawn mower,” it said.
The work began in Redwood City on Wednesday, and is continuing northbound along the track before reaching San Francisco around Monday. The rail grinding equipment will then travel back to San Jose on the southbound tracks. Finally, the equipment will complete the work from San Jose to Redwood City, the agency said.
“Work at any one location will be completed in one to two nights,” the agency said.
A video of how a rail grinder works is posted on Caltrain’s Web site, www.caltrain.com.
The grinding work is in addition to a number of regular inspections and reparations crews conduct on Caltrain tracks. Three times a week, crews use a specially equipped pick-up truck that can visually inspect the tracks. Twice a year, the agency uses an on-track geometry car to make sure tracks are properly aligned. And three times per year, the agency uses an on-track “detector” car to find flaws in the rails, which could result from manufacturing defects or aging, the agency said.
Smoother tracks may mean noisy nights
Caltrain rail grinding project will reduce noise and result in smoother train trips — but construction may annoy neighbors.
Hours of work: 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Miles of Caltrain track: 52
Work schedule:
Northbound Tracks:
• Redwood City to San Francisco: March 18 through Monday
• San Jose to Redwood City: April 8 through April 13
Southbound Tracks:
• San Francisco to San Jose: Wednesday through April 6
Source: Caltrain
