San Rafael council selects crossing plan for SMART rail line

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By Stephanie Weldy, Marin Independent Journal

POSTED: 02/02/16

Once the SMART rail line runs to Larkspur, trains rolling across Andersen Drive near West Francisco Boulevard will pass flashing lights and automatic gates.

The San Rafael City Council voted 3-1 Monday for an estimated $2 million at-grade crossing after weighing a variety of options. Councilman John Gamblin was opposed, and Councilwoman Maribeth Bushey recused herself from the discussion due to her employment with the state Public Utilities Commission, which must ultimately approve the design.

With time constraints pushing the council to act quickly, the council was unable to study each of the options extensively, the council members said.

“I’m a little concerned about all the repercussions of the decision we’re being asked to make tonight in the absence of perfect information,” said Councilman Andrew McCullough, before saying he was leaning toward an at-grade crossing. “But this is one of those cases we won’t have perfect information in the time allotted.”

The alternatives presented included creating a dead end on Andersen Drive at both ends of the rail line. Another option was a grade separation, which would feature a raised double track rail structure over the street. Many residents who live in the area seemed to like that idea, but with an estimated cost of $30 million to $50 million, and construction that would shut down Andersen Drive for a decade, the idea was rejected as unfeasible, council members said.

“We don’t have money to build a bridge and spend 10 years to do it,” Gamblin said.

Also considered was allowing Andersen Drive to become Francisco Boulevard West, at one side, and feed into Woodland Avenue on the other side, which would eliminate a rail crossing. Yet another realignment scenario for Andersen Drive was abandoned when it became clear a pump station would have to be removed.

Considering traffic impacts, cost, feasibility, safety and schedule, the at-grade crossing was chosen because it could be completed quickly and cause the least disruption, officials said. Early estimates put the cost at roughly $2 million.

Resident David Schonbrunn said with trains expected to cross Andersen Drive daily, the road would no longer help relieve congestion.

“With 30 trains rolling through, the whole purpose of Andersen would be totally negated,” Schonbrunn said.

Many residents said they would like for the area to be designated a quiet zone, but city officials said it is too early to determine whether the area would qualify.

Andersen Drive was extended from West Francisco Boulevard in 1997. The extension, intended to create an improved connection from the city’s downtown to its eastern stretch, resulted in paving over existing railroad track. The PUC approved the blockading of the track, but ruled that the city would have to accommodate a rail line once regular train service was scheduled through the crossing.

The Larkspur extension is expected to bring 30 trains over Andersen Drive, with most traveling during peak commute hours, city officials said. The at-grade crossing will bring trains over Andersen at 15 mph.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie Weldy
Stephanie Weldy covers San Rafael and Novato news for the Marin IJ. Follow Stephanie on Twitter: @StephanieWeldy1.