City of San Mateo explores safety upgrades at Villa Terrace and East Bellevue crossings for quieter neighborhoods
San Mateo, California – San Mateo is making real progress toward making life better for people who live near its rail lines. The city has launched a Train Quiet Zone Program aimed at reducing the routine noise of train horns, while still maintaining safety at railroad crossings. As part of this plan, improvements are being suggested at two specific places where train tracks meet at grade level: Villa Terrace and East Bellevue Avenue.
The program’s purpose is simple but important: cut down on the number of times train horns blast at crossings without putting public safety at risk. When trains are getting close to platforms, construction zones, or something dangerous on the rails, they will still use their horns. At all crossings, standard safety elements including flashing lights, bells, and gates will continue to be active.
The federal government is helping to create the Quiet Zone Program. Cities can construct silent zones if they include safety features that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approves. Four-quadrant gates, concrete medians, or even turning two-way roadways into one-way roads are some of the things that can be done.
The city is asking community members to take part in a survey that will be open until August 5, 2025. There will also be two public meetings in August. On August 4 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., there will be a community meeting at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center on Monte Diablo Avenue. There will be a second, more formal presentation at the City Council meeting on August 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on West 20th Avenue. You can attend both sessions in person or online. Links to the virtual options to be provided later.
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board runs the lines on San Mateo’s rail network, which is an important way to get about. Union Pacific takes care of freight throughout the route, while Caltrain runs passenger trains. There are other at-grade crossings inside the city limits, such as Villa Terrace, E. Bellevue Avenue, 1st through 5th Avenues, 9th Avenue, and Hayward Park Station. The quiet zone could potentially grow to include these areas.
Residents who want to learn more about the Quiet Zone project or get updates about upcoming meetings should contact Karen Cornejo, the city’s Assistant Engineer. You can reach her by email at [email protected].
San Mateo is trying to make its communities quieter and more peaceful without putting the safety of its rail system at risk. They are doing this by carefully planning and involving the community.
