Mountain View’s Castro Street Project to Halt Traffic at Caltrain Tracks

Mountain View is set to revamp the north entrance to downtown Castro Street, a move that will eliminate all vehicle traffic crossing the Caltrain tracks. This decision comes after years of temporary measures and ongoing safety concerns. The project, reviewed by the city’s Council Transportation Committee on November 14, 2023, will redirect northbound traffic on Castro Street to Shoreline Boulevard via West Evelyn Avenue, leaving southbound vehicles already restricted from crossing the tracks.

Bicyclists and pedestrians will retain access across the tracks at Castro Street, benefiting from upgraded bike lanes and crosswalks. The changes aim to create a seamless route for both cyclists and vehicles along West Evelyn Avenue. Currently, this route is obstructed by raised curbs and barriers.

The intersection’s significance cannot be overstated, as it connects Caltrain, VTA light rail service, and downtown Mountain View, facilitating access to major employment centers. According to a city staff report, over 1,700 pedestrians and 800 cyclists traverse the tracks daily.

The plan to close Castro Street at the tracks and convert it into a T-intersection has been in discussion for nearly a decade. This initiative aims to enhance traffic safety, particularly with increased train services expected following Caltrain’s electrification. Closing the intersection to cars is projected to be significantly more cost-effective than reconstructing the street beneath the tracks.

The COVID-19 pandemic expedited the push for these changes, leading to the temporary closure of three blocks of Castro Street to vehicle traffic in 2020. This prompted the installation of makeshift traffic barricades and signal modifications that have since remained in place.

Upcoming Changes and Community Reactions

The proposed modifications, which are expected to go before the Mountain View City Council for final approval in 2024, aim to transform temporary pandemic measures into permanent improvements. Vehicle traffic on West Evelyn Avenue will flow in an “S” shape across Castro Street, with a protected bike lane designated for eastbound cyclists and a painted lane for those heading west. Additionally, West Evelyn Avenue will be designated as a one-way street for vehicles from Hope Street to Wild Cherry Lane.

Notable improvements also include a protected bike lane along southbound Moffett Boulevard as it approaches the Caltrain tracks, enhancing cyclist safety en route to downtown.

The project, referred to as the Castro and Evelyn Interim Improvements Project, is part of broader enhancements planned for Castro Street and the city’s downtown transit center. Although a full grade separation project is envisioned, which includes a bike and pedestrian undercrossing beneath Central Expressway and the Caltrain tracks, its estimated cost has surged from $136 million to $271 million in 2023. Consequently, city officials have opted to pursue the more affordable interim project, expected to cost around $6.6 million.

During the recent council meeting, committee members and public speakers largely expressed support for the proposed changes while emphasizing the need for more community feedback on the final design. Some voiced concerns about the interim nature of the project, which might lead to its permanence due to a lack of funding for the larger grade separation project.

Adrian Brandt, a member of the Caltrain Citizens Advisory Committee, cautioned that the interim project could become the long-term solution. In contrast, Councilmember and committee Chair John McAlister called for robust data to validate the proposed bike lanes and restrictions on “No Right Turn on Red” for southbound traffic on Moffett turning onto Central Expressway. He raised concerns over removing 12 parking spaces in downtown, urging city staff to explore options for preserving these vital spots for local businesses.

Community members have noted that the project does not significantly enhance bike and pedestrian infrastructure along Moffett Boulevard, particularly between Central Expressway and Jackson Street. The city is currently developing a comprehensive plan for improvements in the Moffett corridor, which will be addressed at a later stage.

The proposal to funnel all bike and pedestrian traffic across the tracks on the east side of Castro Street has also sparked debate. City staff indicated that Caltrain insisted on maintaining only one at-grade crossing, resulting in the elimination of the crossing on the west side. At a meeting on November 17, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee member John Stone expressed skepticism about this decision, arguing it could create unnecessary inconveniences for pedestrians.

As the city moves forward with these changes, the balance between enhancing safety and maintaining accessibility will remain a critical focus for Mountain View’s transportation future.