Background

As part of the City’s plan to address community concerns about train horn noise, the City is proposing a Citywide Train Quiet Zone project. To establish a quiet zone, which would minimize train horn noise near rail crossings, the City must implement federally mandated safety measures. The proposed safety measures outlined below were recommended by a 2022 Traffic Study as the most cost-effective option with minimal impact on residents and businesses. Construction is proposed for Fall/Winter of 2024.

Project Benefits & Impacts

• Villa Terrace: Proposed safety measure includes the permanent closure of the at-grade rail crossing. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists will no longer be able to cross the railroad tracks at this location. However, there are alternative crossings at East Bellevue Avenue, Peninsula Avenue and Poplar Avenue.
• East Bellevue Avenue: Proposed rail safety measure includes installation of concrete medians, which discourage drivers from driving around the railroad gate arms. On Bellevue Avenue, a few properties directly in-front of the proposed concrete medians will no longer be able to turn left into and out of their driveways. Most residents on East Bellevue Avenue will not be impacted.

For project timeline, next steps, and additional information for the Train Quiet Zone effort, please visit our website: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/trainhornnoise