Eastridge to BART Regional Connector - EBRC

Aerial view of East San Jose at Capitol Expressway in the late afternoon.

(East San Jose) - The Eastridge to BART Regional Connector is taking form. Falsework is underway on 
Capitol Expressway near the Ocala intersection, preceded by rebar and column-forming, and prior to that, 
pile driving. Look at this stunning view of the EBRC project with the East Foothills in the background,
late afternoon on Friday, November 8th. [Photo by Stanley Fong, VTA Creative Services Manager]. 

 

Background

The Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Project (EBRC) extends light rail from the existing Alum Rock Light Rail Station to the Eastridge Transit Center with an elevated guideway primarily in the center of the Capitol Expressway. The Eastridge extension will include an elevated light rail station at Story Road and an at-grade station located at the Eastridge Transit Center. When this project is complete, VTA riders can board the light rail at the Eastridge Station and connect directly with BART at the Milpitas Station.

This project (formerly Capitol Expressway Light Rail Project) has been delivered in phases. The first phase was delivered in two parts. In Phase 1A, VTA addressed pedestrian access and improved safety measures along the expressway between Quimby Road and Capitol Avenue. This was completed in Fall 2012 and included new sidewalks, street lighting, and a landscaping buffer. Phase 1B was the reconstruction of the Eastridge Transit Center. The improvements to the transit center included new shelters and amenities and support BRT. This was completed in 2015. 

The light rail extension is Phase 2, and the final phase of the larger Capitol Expressway Transit Improvement Project that transforms the Capitol Expressway into a multi-modal expressway offering bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail transit, and safe connections to the regional transit system.

Project Status

Construction has started and is anticipated to be completed in 2028. Construction activities will increase traffic and drive time from permanent and temporary lane closures on Capitol Expressway. Construction activities are noisy. There will be large equipment that causes vibrations that will be felt by people who live or work along the corridor.

Weekly Updates
110124 Work to begin on Story Rd and Capitol Expressway

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector 
Weekly Construction Update 
Friday, November 1, 2024
 

Greetings,

Overnight work is scheduled to begin on Sunday, Nov 3rd. Crews will be working overnight in the median of Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue this week and on the northbound side near Tully Road next week. K-rail will be installed on the west side of Capitol Expressway south of Ocala to begin the demolition and roadway widening work, including the BRT station relocation.  Daywork will continue next week at the project's northeast end, near the VTA’s Alum Rock station on Capitol Avenue, and on S. Capitol Avenue, westside.

Construction activities can change at any time due to weather and other conditions.

 ​​​​​

ACTIVITIES NEAR BUSINESSES
 

Day and night work at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Story Road:

  • Chevron Gas Station – Work is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 5, 2024; The driveway on Story Road closest to Capitol Expressway will be temporarily closed while crews perform underground utility relocation and driveway reconstruction. The driveway to the east on Story Road will be open, and the driveway on Capitol Expressway will remain open. Pedestrian and bike riders will be able to use the sidewalk on Capitol Expressway while this is happening.
     
  • Chevron Gas Station and S&S Market – In late November, the driveways facing Capitol Expressway will be permanently closed. An ADA-accessible pedestrian and bike path will be built for the community to use.  Access to S&S Market will be via Kollmar Avenue. Access to Chevron will be via Story Road and both driveways on Story Road will be open. Directional signage will be placed to advise customers.  

                             

  • World Oil Gas Station – Potholing, demolition, underground drainage, sanitary sewer construction, curb and gutter, driveway and roadway construction near the station will require a temporary barrier and lane closures. The driveway on Capitol Expressway will remain open as an entrance only. 

Work at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Tully Road:

  • Mercedez Benz Dealership - Night work to install drainage systems is anticipated to begin on the week of November 10, 2024, and continue for several weeks until completed.

Work on Capitol Avenue and Capitol Expressway:

  • Crossroads Shopping Center – Driveway and curbs are completed on S. Capitol Avenue. Work continues with concrete pouring, sidewalk, installing streetlights, landscaping and temporary barrier removal is anticipated for mid-November.

ACTIVITIES NEAR RESIDENCES

  • Homes on Capitol Avenue and Lombard Street – Driveways are complete, with minor details and sidewalk work to be completed next week. Street lighting installation and temporary barrier removal is anticipated for Mid-November.
     
  • Homes on S. Capitol Avenue and Excalibur Drive – Several activities including street lighting, fiber optic cable, bioswale installation, curb and gutter, and roadway paving are expected to continue through the end of November. 

BUS OPERATIONS

  • Due to the temporarily lane closures for underground work and new K-rails that will be installed next week (which makes it more difficult for a bus to make a right turn onto Capitol Expressway), for the next phase of road widening work, eastbound Route 70 buses have been rerouted via Leeward Drive, to Foxdale Drive, and then to Capitol Expressway until Spring 2025. Residents can board the bus at the temporary bus stop located on Capitol nearside Ocala.
  • VTA completed additional temporary lighting to the stations and will continue to monitor to ensure that adequate lighting is provided along the pedestrian pathways at night.

Anticipated work from 11/02/24 through 11/22/24

***Construction activities and schedules can change at any time.  

Day Work                              

  • Excavate and install drainage systems along the Capitol Expressway.
  • Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast piles, and driving piles are happening at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.  
  • Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.
  • Falsework to build the bridge deck is underway.  Work is conducted during the daytime and sometimes overnight due to multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and build support structures safely – this overnight work is planned to start on 11/3 (Sunday).
  • Eastbound Ocala Avenue will again be temporarily closed during 9 am - 3pm for drainage work on Capitol Expressway for a couple days, currently planned for the week of 11/10.
  • Saturday work will continue for excavation and shoring work in the median at several locations, as needed.  

ENVIRONMENTAL

 Stormwater

  • Current work locations are preparing for upcoming rainy season.
  • Fiber rolls for erosion and sediment control have been installed throughout the active median on Capitol Expressway.
  • Drain inlets throughout the project site are protected from construction activities.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

  • Staff continues engaging one-on-one with business owners, residents, and the public in general. Concerns are addressed as soon as possible.
  • VTA Outreach Staff will present a project update at Coffee with the Principal at Katherine Smith Elementary School on November 11, 2024.
  • The latest construction update (Nov 1-30, 2024) is being delivered to residents and business owners.
  • For EBRC’s construction updates and traffic advisories, please go to vta.org/eastridgetoBART.  
  • The Community Outreach Field Office is open on
     Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and
    Fridays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and by appointment.  
  • The field office is at 1091 S. Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95127.
  • Community Outreach can be reached by calling 408.321.7575, or emailing community.outreach@vta.org

Moving Forward,

The Construction and Engagement Team

102524 Businesses, Residences, Bus Operations, Environmental

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector  
 Weekly Construction Update  
 Friday, October 25, 2024

Greetings, 
   
Work continues at the median of Capitol Expressway, North and South of Ocala Avenue. Work is also underway at the project's north end, near the VTA’s Alum Rock station on Capitol Avenue, and on S. Capitol Avenue, westside. Community Outreach staff are communicating with residents and businesses, to keep the community apprised of activities and address their issues and concerns.
 
 
ACTIVITIES NEAR BUSINESSES

Day and night work at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Story Road:
·    Chevron Gas Station – In early November, one of the two driveways on Story Road will remain open, while the driveway on Story Road closest to Capitol Expressway will be temporarily closed. Pedestrian and bike riders will be able to use the sidewalk on Capitol Expressway while this is happening. 

·    Chevron Gas Station and S&S Market – In late November, the driveways facing Capitol Expressway will be permanently closed. An ADA-accessible pedestrian and bike path will be built for the community to use.  Access to S&S Market will be via Kollmar Avenue. Access to Chevron will be via Story Road. Directional signage will be placed to advise customers.   
                              
·    World Oil Gas Station – Potholing, and underground drainage and sanitary sewer construction in the roadways near the station will require temporary lane closure however the driveway on Capitol Expressway will remain open. At the end of the year when new curb and sidewalk activities begin, customers will be able to enter the gas station from Capitol Expressway. They will exit to Story Road. Directional signage will be in place to direct traffic in and out of the station.

Work at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Tully Road:
·    Mercedez Benz Dealership - Overnight work to install drainage systems is anticipated to begin on the week of November 3and continue for several weeks until late November. 

Work on Capitol Avenue and Capitol Expressway:

  • Crossroads Shopping Center – Driveway and curbs are completed. The sidewalk work in the surrounding area continues and is anticipated to be substantially completed by the end of October.  Street lighting and remaining work is expected to be completed by mid-November.

ACTIVITIES NEAR RESIDENCES

  • Homes on Capitol Avenue and Lombard Street – Driveways are completed. The sidewalk work in the surrounding area continues and is anticipated to be substantially complete by the end of October. Street lighting installation and K-Rail removal is anticipated for Mid-November.
     
  • Homes on S. Capitol Avenue and Excalibur Drive – Several activities including street lighting, fiber optic cable, bioswale installation, curb forming and pouring are ongoing and expected to continue through the end of November. 

BUS OPERATIONS

  • Eastbound Ocala Avenue will be temporarily closed for work at Capitol Expressway for a couple days next week, eastbound Route 70 buses will be rerouted via Leeward Drive, to Foxdale Drive, and then to Capitol Expressway. Residents can board the bus at the temporary bus stop located on Capitol nearside Ocala.
  • VTA is currently working with a contractor to ensure that adequate lighting is provided along the pedestrian pathways at night.

Anticipated work from 10/25/24 through 11/22/24

***Construction activities and schedules can change at any time.

Day Work                              

  • Excavate and install drainage systems along the Capitol Expressway.
  • Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast piles, and driving piles are happening at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.

As of 10/25/24 Pile driving is by the Foxdale Apartments, moving north on  
 Capitol Expressway between Foxdale Drive and Story Road.    

  • Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.  
  • Falsework to build the bridge deck is underway.  Work is conducted during the daytime and sometimes overnight due to multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and build support structures safely – this overnight work is planned to start at the beginning of November.
  • Saturday work will continue for excavation and shoring work in the median at several locations, as needed.  

ENVIRONMENTAL

 Stormwater

  • Current work locations are preparing for upcoming rainy season.
  • Fiber rolls for erosion and sediment control have been installed throughout the active median on Capitol Expressway.
  • Drain inlets throughout the project site are protected from construction activities.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

  • Staff continues engaging one-on-one with business owners, residents, and the public in general. Concerns are addressed as soon as possible
  • Staff has spoken about the project on NBC-TV, Telemundo, Univision, and KCBS Radio as well as on Instagram and Facebook. Please follow us @SCVTA.
  • We are about to begin another round of construction updates to be delivered to businesses and residents located very close to the project, and we are preparing a marketing campaign to support businesses in the area.
  • For EBRC’s construction updates and traffic advisories, please go to vta.org/eastridgetoBART. 
  • Staff will participate in the following events:

Foxdale Fall Festival - Foxdale Village Apartments (10/25)

District 8 Fall Festival - Lake Cunningham Park (10/26)

  • The Community Outreach Field Office is open on
     Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and
    Fridays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and by appointment.  
  • The field office is at 1091 S. Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95127.
  • Community Outreach can be reached by calling 408.321.7575, or emailing community.outreach@vta.org

Moving Forward,

The Construction and Engagement Team

101824 Falsework, Upcoming Night Work

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector 
Weekly Construction Update 
Friday, October 18, 2024 

Greetings, 

This past week, VTA’s Transit Services personnel conducted a test drive at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Capitol Avenue to ensure the upcoming temporary road realignment will not impede the bus routes in that area. With traffic modifications around the corner, similar activities will occur throughout the construction zone as needed.  

 Work continues at the median, North and South of Ocala Avenue. Work is also underway at the project's north end, near the VTA’s Alum Rock station, and on S. Capitol Avenue (westside). The EBRC team constantly communicates with residents, businesses, and the public to address their issues and concerns. 

The City of San Jose and utility companies are currently working on the east and west sides of the EBRC construction zone, doing paving jobs and other public works. This may confuse residents, who think the road closures and detours are related to the EBRC construction project. EBRC Project will try to coordinate with other projects, whenever  
we can, to minimize traffic impacts and we thank the public for their patience for all public work within the area. 

For EBRC’s construction updates and traffic advisories, go to vta.org/eastridgetoBART. 

Upcoming Traffic Modifications   

***For planning purposes only.  

There will be temporary 1-lane closures from 9 am – to 3 pm, both Northbound and Southbound, from the VTA-Alum Rock Transit Center to the Eastridge Transit Center for structure work in the median and outside civil/underground and traffic signal/street lighting work. 
 

There will be nighttime 2-lane closures from 10 pm – 5 am, primarily northbound from Story Road to Tully Road along Capitol Expressway, where the contractor is working on falsework for the deck structure above ground (note this is moving from location to location, starting north of Ocala going North and south of Cunningham going South) beginning around the end of October. Other periodic nighttime 2-lane closures may also occur at various areas along the project corridor on either direction for underground sanitary sewer and drainage work that is in the middle of or crossing multiple travel lanes.  

A temporary BRT bus stop has been established north of the Ocala intersection. It will remain in service at this location through mid-2025. In early 2025, the southbound BRT Ocala station bus shelter will be removed and relocated to the west and will be ready for use in mid-2025. 

Anticipated work from 10/18/24 through 11/03/24 

***Construction activities and schedules can change at any time. 

Day Work 

  • Excavate and install drainage systems along the Capitol Expressway. 
  • Hard surface removal, concrete pouring, form and pour curbs, and curing on Capitol Avenue. Portions of driveways will remain open for residents who live by active construction and for businesses at the Crossroad Shopping Center.  
  • Various construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue are taking place, with minimal or no impacts on residents.  
  • Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast piles, and driving piles are happening at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue. 
    * As of 10/18/24 Pile driving is approaching the Foxdale Apartments, going north on  Capitol Expressway between Foxdale Drive and Story Road.  
  • Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue. 
  • Falsework to build the bridge deck has begun. Work is conducted during the daytime and sometimes at night due to multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and build support structures safely. 

Night and Saturday Work 

  • Night work is anticipated at the North-East corner of Capitol Expressway and Tully Road, beginning on Sunday, October 27, 2024. 
  • Night work is anticipated at the median and other locations beginning on Sunday, October 27, 2024. 
  • Saturday work will continue for excavation and shoring work in the median at several locations, as needed.  

COMMUNITY OUTREACH 

LATEST ACTIVITIES 

  • Staff participated at the Resource Fair at Lee Mathson Middle School (10/15)

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES 

  • Foxdale Fall Festival - Foxdale Village Apartments (10/25) 

  • District 8 Fall Festival - Lake Cunningham Park (10/26) 

OUTREACH FIELD OFFICE 

  • Please remember that the Community Outreach Field Office is open  
    Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm  
    and by appointment. The field office is at 1091 S. Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95127. 

Moving Forward, 

The Construction and Engagement Team 

101124 Traffic Modifications, Upcoming Falsework and Other Activities

Greetings,

Construction activities are at a phase where lane and road closures and detours can occur more often. Traffic modifications are expected, and the traffic signage is placed where needed. Traffic Advisories will be shared with the community and found on the project’s website at vta.org/eastridgetoBART.

To date, at least 200 piles have been driven into the ground. Pile driving and column pouring activities are active in some segments. Similarly, roadway construction activities continue by the Crossroads Shopping Center on Capitol Avenue and S. Capitol Avenue between Excalibur Drive and Story Road.

Upcoming Traffic Modifications 

***For planning purposes only.

  • There will be temporary 1-lane closures from 9 am – to 3 pm, both Northbound and Southbound, from the VTA-Alum Rock Transit Center to the Eastridge Transit Center for structure work in the median and outside civil/underground and traffic signal/street lighting work.
     
  • There will be nighttime 2-lane closures from 8 pm – 5 am, primarily northbound from Capitol Avenue to Tully Road along Capitol Expressway, where the contractor is working on falsework for the deck structure above ground (note this is moving from location to location, starting north of Ocala going North and south of Cunningham going South) beginning around the end of October.  
     
  • A temporary BRT bus stop has been established north of the Ocala intersection. It will remain in service at this location through mid-2025. In early 2025, the southbound BRT Ocala station bus shelter will be removed and relocated to the west and will be ready for use in mid-2025.

 

Anticipated work from 10/11/24 through 10/28/24

***Construction activities and schedules can change at any time.

Day Work

  • Excavate and install drainage systems along the Capitol Expressway.
  • Hard surface removal, concrete pouring, form and pour curbs, and curing on Capitol Avenue. Portions of driveways will remain open for residents who live by active construction and for businesses at the Crossroad Shopping Center.
  • Various construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue are taking place, with minimal or no impacts on residents.
  • Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast piles, and driving piles are happening at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.
  • Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.
  • Falsework to build the bridge deck has begun. Work is conducted during the daytime and sometimes at night due to multiple traffic lane closures to safely move materials and build support structures.

Night Work

  • Night work is anticipated beginning October 27, at the median.

Saturday Work

  • Excavation and shoring work in the median.

 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

LATEST ACTIVITIES

  • Three Community Update Meetings occurred on Oct 5, 9, and 10. The first meeting was held at the Hank Lopez Community Center and facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. Subsequent meetings were held via Zoom; the first meeting was in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation, and the second was in Spanish with English interpretation.

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES

  • Lee Mathson Middle School Resource Fair (10/15)
  • Foxdale Fall Festival - Foxdale Village Apartments (10/25)
  • District 8 Fall Festival - Lake Cunningham Park (10/26)

OUTREACH FIELD OFFICE

  • Please remember that the Community Outreach Field Office is open Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and by appointment. The field office is at 1091 S. Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95127.

 

Moving Forward,

The Construction and Engagement Team

 

092724 Construction Activities Update, Southbound Ocala BRT Relocation, Community Meetings

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
September 27, 2024

Construction activities continue at various locations along the project. Pile driving activities are occurring north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue at various bridge column locations. This is followed by placing rebar and pouring foundation concrete. Several columns are already cast and are visible along the expressway. Bridge falsework activities are to follow soon at locations where columns are already built. 

A temporary BRT bus stop has been established north of the Ocala intersection. It will remain in service at this location for at least 8 months to allow underground work to be completed. Following that, in early November, the southbound BRT Ocala station will be dismantled to allow space in the middle for bridge construction. In spring 2025, the BRT station will be reassembled. All art components will be protected. 

Construction activities and schedules can change at any time. 

Anticipated work from 09/27/24 through 10/14/24
Day Work
•    Excavate and install drainage systems along Capitol Expressway.

•    Hard surface removal, concrete pouring, form and pour curbs, and curing on Capitol Avenue. Portions of driveways to remain open for residents who live by active construction and for the business at the Crossroad Shopping Center. 

•    Various construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue between Wilbur Avenue and Capitol Expressway with minimal or no impacts to residents. 

•    Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast pile and driving piles at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.

•    Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.

•    Falsework is planned begin in early October.  Work is conducted at daytime and sometimes at night due to multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and build support structures safely. 
Night Work

•    Night work at Tully intersection is anticipated for second week of October.  
Saturday Work

•    Grading work planned along Capitol Avenue area. Structure work in the median continues. 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Outreach Field Office is open Tuesdays 9am-12n, and Fridays 1-5pm, and by appointment. 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Three community meetings have been scheduled to provide the community an update on current construction activities and share what to expect going forward for the next several months. This is also an opportunity to hear from the community. 

•    Saturday, October 5, 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.  – in person at the Hank Lopez Community Center, facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters.
Eastridgetobart-Oct5-2024.eventbrite.com

•    Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M.  – Zoom meeting facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation. “
Eastridgetobart-Oct9-2024.eventbrite.com

•    Thursday, October 10, 6:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M.   – Zoom meeting facilitated in Spanish with English interpretation. 
Eastridgetobart-Oct10-2024.eventbrite.com

Moving Forward,
The Construction and Engagement Team
 

091624  Pile Driving, Rebar, Outreach

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
September 16, 2024

Dear All,

Pile driving continues at various locations along the Expressway. The contractor will pour concrete columns near Ocala Avenue this Saturday and next Thursday. The Ocala BRT stop will be temporarily relocated to construct a new drainage system. Roadway excavation along S. Capitol Avenue will continue next week

Anticipated work from 09/14/24 to 09/22/24


Day Work
•    Excavate and install drainage systems along Capitol Expressway.
•    Hard surface removal and concrete pouring on Capitol Avenue. Portions of driveways will remain open for residents who live by active construction. 
•    Various construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue between Wilbur Avenue and Capitol Expressway with minimal or no impacts to residents. 
•    Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast pile and driving piles at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.
•    Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.
•    Falsework to build the bridge deck is anticipated to begin in the third week of September. Work will be done during day, and sometimes at night due to multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and build support structures safely. 


Night Work
•    No Night work is anticipated for next week Sunday, September 15, 2024 through Saturday, September 21, 2024.


Saturday Work
•    Shoring and Excavation on Capitol Expressway. 
•    Rebar work for columns.
•    Concrete pouring scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, day work only. 

Community Outreach 
School Engagement. Staff participated at Kimberly Smith Elementary’s Back to School Night on 09/11.


Field Office Warming. Saturday, September 21, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. 


Neighborhood Meeting for S. Capitol Ave residents. Tuesday, September 24, 6:00 P.M.


Construction Update Meeting. Saturday, October 5, 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.  – in person at the Hank Lopez Community Center, facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters.


Construction Update Meeting. Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M.  – Zoom meeting facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation. 


Construction Update Meeting. Thursday, October 10, 6:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M.   – Zoom meeting facilitated in Spanish with English interpretation. 

 

Moving Forward,
 

090624 Excavation, Rebar, and Community Meetings

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
September 6, 2024

Dear All,

Construction continues in the middle of Capitol Expressway, with large cranes in the median and large trucks either delivering piles or moving soil.  Other heavy equipment is positioned at different points across the project. 

There will be work on Saturdays for this period. Construction schedules may change at any time due to weather or other circumstances. 

Anticipated work from 09/07/24 to 09/15/24

Day Work
•    Excavate and install drainage systems along Capitol Expressway.
•    Concrete and pavement removal and other construction activities on Capitol. Avenue, southbound between
     Wilbur Avenue and Capitol  Expressway. 
•    Excavation, demolition, and other construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue between Excalibur Drive and Story Road. 
•    Pile driving, shoring, excavation, pile delivery, and off-loading pre-cast pile for various piers located on
     Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue.
•    Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue.
•    Pile driving, shoring, excavation, pile delivery, and off-loading pre-cast pile for various piers located
     on Capitol Expressway south of Cunningham Avenue. 
•    Falsework to build the bridge deck is anticipated to start on the third week of September, with day work first,
     and followed by some night work due to the need for multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and
     build support structures safely. 

Night Work
•    Overnight work anticipated to begin on the last week of September. 

Saturday Work
•    Shoring and Excavation on Capitol Expressway. 
•    Rebar work for columns.

Community Outreach 

•    The team is ready for the community outreach office warming! We hope to see you on Saturday,
      September 21, 2024, from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. This is planned as a small gathering. Hope to see you there! 

•    Please help us spread the news about our upcoming community meetings:

                Saturday, October 5 – in person at the Hank Lopez Community Center.
                This meeting will be facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters.

                Wednesday, October 9 – Zoom meeting facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation. 

                Thursday, October 10 – Zoom meeting facilitated in Spanish with English interpretation. 

Moving Forward,

The Construction and Engagement Team

083024 Open driveway signs, water trucks, and Engagement

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
August 30, 2024

Dear All,

Most families are busy driving or walking their kids to school, now that school is back in session. That means more pedestrian and motorist activities on streets and roads. Shoring and pile driving are happening at the median on Capitol Expressway between Ocala Avenue and Story Road, and farther south near Tully Road, and we continue asking the public to slow down and follow the 35mph speed limit. 

Along the northern part of the project, excavation, and drainage work is taking place on and around Capitol Avenue, Excalibur Drive and South Capitol Avenue. Contractor is preparing for false work installation, which will begin in a few weeks. False work will require lane closures, detours, and modifications to traffic. We thank our bus drivers and riders in advance for their patience as lane closures and bus route operations may impact their transportation schedules.  

Please remember that construction crews will not work on Monday, September 2nd due to Labor Day. 

Anticipated work from 08/30/24 to 09/08/24
Day Work 

  • Excavate and Install drainage systems along Capitol Expressway. 
  • Concrete and pavement removal and other construction activities on Capitol Avenue (Southbound).
  • between Wilbur Avenue and Capitol Expressway.
  • Excavation, demolition, and other construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue between Excalibur. 
  • Drive and Story Road. 
  • Pile driving, pile delivery and off-loading of pre-cast pile for various piers located on Capitol. 
  • Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue.
  • Pour concrete footings and columns.
  • Pile driving at pier 59, located on Capitol Expressway south of Cunnigham Avenue.
  • False Work anticipated to start on September 18, 2024, with day and overnight work. 

Night Work 

  • Not anticipated for this period.

Saturday

  • 09/07 Miscellaneous drainage work at various locations. 
  • 09/07 Shoring and Excavation on Capitol Expressway south of Cunnigham Avenue.

Community Outreach

  • We are in a contact with a handful of homeowners/residents who have expressed concerns about noise and vibration. We anticipated for this to happen and are working diligently to respond in a timely manner. 
  • Now that the 2024/2025 school year has started in most districts, community outreach staff members are engaging with schools and school districts.  The events we are confirming with the school districts provide us the opportunities to further engage with parents, students, and faculty.
  • Save The Date!  The community outreach office warming will be held on September 21, 2024, from 11 am to 1 pm.  Next week we will forward a copy of the formal invitation.

We hope to see you at one of our community meetings:

  • Saturday, October 5 – In person. Hank Lopez Community Center.

         Facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. 

  • Wednesday, October 9 - ZOOM facilitated in English with Spanish 

         and Vietnamese interpretation.

  • Thursday, October 10 - ZOOM facilitated in Spanish with 

         English interpretation.

Moving Forward, 

The Construction and Engagement Team

081624 Pile Driving, Shoring, and Flyers

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
August 16, 2024
 

Happy Friday! 

This last week, when motorists drove southbound on Capitol Expressway between Story Road and Tully Road, they most likely saw, heard, and felt the noise and vibration from pile driving and sheet pile installation. The residents in the streets adjacent to the construction zone were informed timely of the activities, and VTA and MCM’s teams were responding to their immediate concerns.

Fortunately, we have completed one week of this important part of the project. Hats off to the construction crews who are at the forefront of building the light rail extension! 

Anticipated work from 08/17/24 to 08/25/24

Day Work 
•    Install drainage systems at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Excalibur Drive. 
•    Potholing, excavating, paving, striping, K-Rail and pedestrian ramps installation on southbound Capitol Avenue
     between Wilbur Avenue and Capitol Expressway.
•    Install new fiber-optics conduit, street lighting conduit and traffic signals conduit on northbound Capitol Expressway near Tully Road. 
•    Install shoring and excavation for piers 36, 37, 38, and 39 located on Capitol Expressway between Story Road and Ocala Avenue.
•    Pile driving, pile delivery and off-loading of pre-cast pile for pier 42 and 41 located on Capitol Expressway north of Ocala Avenue
•    Install shoring and excavation for pier 59 and begin pile driving at pier 59 located on Capitol Expressway south of Cunnigham Avenue.

Night Work 
•    Not anticipated for this period.

Community Outreach

  • We participated in Viva Parks at Hillview Park by Ocala Avenue, and held our monthly, online stakeholder working group meeting.
  • SAVE THE DATE for our October 2024 community meetings, as follows:
  • Saturday, October 5 – In person. Facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. Location TBD. 
  • Wednesday, October 9 - ZOOM facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation.
  • Thursday, October 10 - ZOOM facilitated in Spanish with English interpretation.
  • Help us spread out this message: The current speed limit on Capitol Expressway between Excalibur Drive and Quimby Road is 35 miles per hour. This is for the safety of construction workers, pedestrians, cyclists, and the public in general. 

Moving Forward, 

The EBRC Construction & Engagement Team

080124 Pile driving is set for August
Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
August 1, 2024

 

Pile driving is set for August. Residents and motorists in East San Jose will see pile driving activities during the day, and heavy equipment mobilization at night, as needed. Pile driving will continue for several months across the construction zone, except for areas north of Story Road along Capitol Expressway towards Capitol Avenue, and south of Tully Road where other construction activities will take place. During this work, driveways will remain open.

The following are a few facts about pile driving to remember:

  • Pile driving is only conducted during the day
  • Pile driving activities in one location may last 4-5 days
  • We are monitoring sound and vibration levels
  • Night work for equipment mobilization and pile delivery
  • We are providing timely updates to all stakeholders

Anticipated work from 08/01/24 to 08/10/24

Day work

  • Pile driving anticipated to begin the week of August 12th on Capitol Expressway between Story Road and Ocala Avenue
  • The second location for pile driving south of Cunningham Avenue is anticipated to begin on August 16th
  • Temporary road striping on Capitol Avenue
  • K-Rail and pedestrian ramps installation on the west side of Capitol Avenue
  • Remove portions of the median and islands on Capitol Avenue, in the northern part of the project
  • Excavation and new sidewalk construction near Ocala BRT Station
  • Remove pavement areas on Capitol Expressway between Ocala Ave and Tully Road, northbound and southbound.
  • Installing temporary ramps for bikes at various locations
  • Installing shoring for foundation excavations between Ocala Avenue and Story Road will begin on Monday, August 5th

Night Work

  • Equipment mobilization is anticipated for this period.

Saturday Work

  • Construction crews may work on Saturdays for this period.
     

Community Outreach

We will deliver Construction Notices (flyers) the week of August 5. Please let us know if we can send you flyers electronically or deliver hard copies and, if so, how many.

National Night Out on August 6 - VTA Community Outreach is participating in the Mayfair/Plata Arroyo, Mt. Pleasant, and Foxdale neighborhood association events.

We will have community meetings in October 2024, as follows:

  • Saturday, October 5 – In person, location TBD.
  • Wednesday, October 9 - ZOOM English with interpreters
  • Thursday, October 10 - ZOOM in Spanish

Moving Forward,

The EBRC Construction & Engagement Team

071924 Community Outreach Trailer Has Arrived

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
July 19, 2024

To All,

The City of San Jose resurfacing project will have intermittent traffic control in the coming weeks on Story Road, Ocala Avenue, and Capitol Expressway. City DOT Outreach recently posted about the maintenance work and will be distributing flyers to residents whose streets are on the list for corrective maintenance. )

Anticipated work from 07/19 to 08/01

  • - Drainage work is scheduled on Capitol Avenue, in the northern part of the project.
  • - Tree removal in the northern part of the project.
  • - Remove portions of the median and islands on Capitol Avenue, in the northern part of the project.
  • Day Work Remove pavement areas on Capitol Expressway between Ocala Ave and Tully Road, northbound and southbound.
  • Temporary ramps for pedestrians and bikes at various locations.

Good News

  • On Capitol Expressway and Cunningham Avenue, two pedestrians push buttons   damaged by a car have been repaired.
  • On Capitol Expressway and Quimby Road, a loose pedestrian push button has been repaired by the Project.

Community Outreach

The Community Outreach trailer arrived at 1093 S. Capitol on Monday, July 15, 2024. Residents neighboring the property received advanced notice on July 12, regarding early morning activities.

There is work to do to make the trailer office functional. We anticipate moving in mid-August and be open to the public soon after. Please join us for a neighborly gathering on 9/21/2024, at 11:00am-1:00pm. We’ll be sending you photos soon!


Looking ahead, VTA Outreach is participating with Mayfair/Plata Arroyo, Mt. Pleasant, and Foxdale neighborhood associations on National Night Out, August 6. Later this summer we plan to participate in Viva Parks events at Sylvia Cassel Park 8/29, and Mayfair Park on 9/26. A new set of community meetings to provide construction updates will occur in October (Exact dates and locations TBD).
 

Moving Forward,

The EBRC Construction & Engagement Team

062424 Test Pile Driving and Sidewalk Removal

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
June 24, 2024
 

​​​​​​Last week, construction crews for the EBRC project conducted preparations for test pile driving in the median at Capitol Expressway, near Ocala Avenue. This is in the South part of the project. Sound barriers have been installed on both sides of the road. Test pile driving and other activities will continue this week. We continue monitoring and mitigating the potential effects of noise, vibration, and dust.

Other teams are working at the north side of the project, demolishing areas east of S. Capitol Ave between Story Rd. and Excalibur Dr. to ultimately widen Capitol Expressway as per the project’s scope of work.

Anticipated work for the week of 06/24/24

  • TEST pile driving during the day and mobilization of a second crane during the night.
  • Utility potholing and drainage work.
  • Remove existing fiber optics systems and street lighting.
  • Remove concrete sidewalks and curbs during the day and continue to install sound barriers on the northbound Expressway toward Sussex Ave at night.
  • Place temporary ramps for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Other construction activities.

Upcoming Community Meetings

  •  A community meeting for the Foxdale Neighborhood Association took place on Tuesday, June 18th, in English and Spanish. VTA’s resident engineer and community relations officer provided an update on construction activities.
  • A house meeting requested by homeowners on Dover Way, in the northeastern side of the project is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th. Dover Way is in the northeastern part of the project. Homeowners indicated to be concerned about vibration. VTA’s project manager and CRO plan to attend and explain that this side of the project will not experience pile driving but Cast-In-Drilled-Hole Piles, which minimizes vibration.
  • A community meeting for the Welsch Park Community Neighborhood Association is scheduled for Monday, July 1, 2024.
061724 Crane Mobilization, Speed Limit Enforcement, and Home Inspections

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
June 17, 2024

Construction for the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector is in full swing, with K-Rail (concrete barriers) in place to separate traffic from the construction area, roadway demolition, heavy equipment mobilization, drilling, and other preparations for test-pile- driving, as well as the fabrication and installation of temporary sound walls.  

Crews have been working during the day, with occasional night work. While most activities are in the southern part of the project, a crew is working on the opposite side on S. Capitol Avenue -north of Story Rd., and they will continue working this week.  

Home inspections were conducted last week for those who signed a Permission to Enter (PTE). Most homeowners were present, and we brought in a language interpreter for Vietnamese in addition to our bilingual team interpreting for Spanish.  

Anticipated work for the week of 06/17/24

  • Utility potholing and drainage work.  
  • Installation of temporary noise barriers.  
  • Demolition of curbs/gutters, sidewalk, asphalt, fencing.  
  • TEST pile driving is scheduled for June 20-21, during the day. 
  • Day work is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., night work is from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 
  • The speed limit is 35 mph throughout the Construction Zone and SJPD officers are enforcing this mandate.  

Community Outreach 

  • Working in partnership, VTA’s community outreach and contractor staff created and delivered 225 Construction Notices to homes on both sides of the Capitol Expressway.  
  • We estimate 400 to 500 people were in attendance at the Groundbreaking Resource event. Our sincere appreciation to all of you who participated!  
  • A community meeting for the Foxdale Neighborhood Association is scheduled for June 18, in English and Spanish.  
060724 Sound Barriers and Construction Notices

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
June 07, 2024

This past week, construction activities increased, with the installation of temporary sound walls, K-Rail installation in the last stretches of the work zone, and remaining utility and potholing work, in preparation for pile driving tests and other construction work. Potential impacts to residents include noise, vibration, and traffic congestion. 

Anticipated work for the week of 06/10/24 

  • Crane and pile hammer to be mobilized at night; scheduled for June 10-12. 
  • Temporary sound wall fabrication and installation on S Capitol Ave.  
  • K-Rail installment in the median along Capitol Expressway, Southbound, ongoing until completion.  
  • Day work is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and night work is from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 
  • The speed limit is 35 mph throughout the Construction Zone. 

Community Outreach 

Construction notices were delivered in person to homes in the area.  The Groundbreaking Ceremony and Resource Fair will be on June 8, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Eastridge Transit Center.  

053124 Utility Work and Preparing for Test Pile Driving

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
May 31, 2024

​​​​​The next couple of weeks will involve pile driving tests and the installation of sound walls along the construction zone, among other activities currently underway. Modifications to traffic have gone without difficulty.

Pile Driving Tests  

Drilling, pile driving tests, and related activities are set for early June, with work during the day and night, as allowed.     

Sound Walls 

Beginning on June 3 and through June 14, temporary sound walls will be installed between Ocala Ave. and Story Rd., where there is a mix of homes, an apartment complex, and a gas station. Construction crews will continue Northbound between Story Rd. and Capitol Ave.  

Utility Work 

Pothole digging in several locations for utility work was conducted this past week.  

Speed Limit & SAFETY 

The Contractor informed VTA that drivers are not respecting the 35mph speed limit, jeopardizing the safety of workers, pedestrians, and other drivers. The construction team is considering the presence of the San Jose Police Department or the Santa Clara County Sheriff, and possibly fining motorists who exceed the allowed speed limit. 
 
In California, fines for speeding in construction zones can range from $350 to $1,000 and can be doubledoubledipled. These penalties apply to all roads where there is a construction zone, including state routes/highways, local roads, and streets where construction work is ongoing.  

The safety of construction workers, pedestrians, and the public in general is of utmost importance. Please help us spread the word on the importance of respecting the 35mph speed limit. If you have contacts or ideas to promote Safety in this matter, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  

Anticipated work for the week of 06/01/24: 

  1. Drilling in key locations is scheduled for June 3-7.  
  2. Crane and pile hammer to be mobilized at night; scheduled for June 10-12. 
  3. K-Rail installment in the median along Capitol Expressway, Northbound from Story Rd towards Capitol Ave, and Southbound afterward, ongoing until completion.  
  4. A cultural monitor is confirmed to work this week. 

***The construction schedule is subject to changes. *** 

Community Outreach 

Everything is looking great for the Groundbreaking Ceremony and Resource Fair to be held on June 8, 2024.

Elected officials who have been strong supporters of this project as well as community leaders and residents have confirmed attendance.

050224 K-Rail, Restriping, and Multilingual Community Meetings 
Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
May 02, 2024

Notice to Proceed was issued on 04/25/24. 
Tree removal started on 05/06/24. The trees were labeled for removal two weeks in advance to give the public time to make comments. VTA and contractors continued working with businesses adjacent to the construction zone, and bird nesting surveys took place before tree removal.  
Traffic Control Plans were reviewed and approved by the design team and the City of San Jose. 
Two Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) were placed on Capitol Expressway, in English and Spanish. Portable Changeable Message Signs were placed on I-680.
Anticipated activities beginning the week of 05/06/24: 
  • Planning for traffic shift and removal of one lane in each direction from Ocala-Quimby. The PCMS boards will be updated. The shift is scheduled for the week of 5/13. 
  • Restriping traffic lanes at night in 2-3 weeks 
  • Install concrete barriers in the median after the traffic shift 
  • Demolition and underground civil construction expected after concrete barriers are installed
Community Outreach:
  • VTA hosted Community Meetings scheduled: May 8th and 9th online, and 11th in person. Links are provided at the end of this message. 
  • Groundbreaking Celebration and Community Resource Fair will be held on June 8, 2024, 10 am-12 noon at the Eastridge Transit Center. Save the Date!  
  • VTA and Contractor both have a Community Relations Officer (CRO) dedicated to work on the EBRC project.  
  • Construction notices, newsletters, and community meeting posters and flyers have been mailed to all records located a ½ mile around the project area. This includes residents, businesses, and absentee property owners and reaches approximately 14,000 records. 
  • Outreach staff to continue meeting with residents, businesses, and community organizations.  
  • A robust social media campaign to bring more awareness to the project and advertise next week’s community meetings launched earlier this week. 
  • Outreach tabled the Cinco de Mayo celebration at Emma Prusch Park on Sunday.  
Community Meeting Dates/links:
051524 Traffic Shift and Community Outreach

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
May 15, 2024

Construction, currently underway on Capitol Expressway in East San Jose:  

Traffic Shift 

One-lane closure in each direction began on Wednesday, May 15th, between Quimby Rd. and Tully Rd., with construction crews moving northbound to Story Rd. Except for peak hours, traffic was normal. 

Field Office and Outreach Office 

VTA continues finalizing details for our field office and outreach office to be installed as soon as possible.  

Permission To Enter 

Door-to-door home visits, for houses located close to the project to obtain their permission to enter, for upcoming inspections. Interpreters will join surveyors to facilitate communication with non-English speaking homeowners and/or tenants. 

Anticipated activities beginning the week of 05/20/24 

  • Traffic Shift to continue northbound to Capitol Avenue, and turn southbound to Story Rd., Ocala Ave., Tully Rd, and Quimby Road.  
  • K-Rail is to be installed on the northbound Capitol Expressway near Tully Rd on Saturday, 05/18. 
  • K-Rail is to continue to be installed along the northbound and southbound Capitol Expressway in the median from Tully Road to Capitol Avenue Monday – Friday. 
  • The speed limit is 35mph. for the safety of the construction crew, and the safety of others.  
Community Outreach 
  • Councilmembers Ortiz and Candelas invite VTA to a city-hosted public meeting at Most Holy Trinity Church to provide an update on the EBRC project on 05/15/24.  
  • A community meeting is scheduled for 05/21/24 at Montevista Apartments, located by the Alum Rock station.  
  • Groundbreaking Ceremony to be held on June 8, 2024.  
  • VTA’s and contractors continue to meet with residents, businesses, and community organizations.  

*The construction schedule is subject to changes.*

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051424 Portable Changeable Message Signs PCMS

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
May 14, 2024

The project is on schedule to move forward with the traffic shift. In addition to the mailed construction notice, a series of community meetings, and door-door to businesses along the corridor, and advanced notification signage, a stakeholder email was sent to all project subscribers.   

Traffic shift that will reduce one lane in each direction is scheduled to start Wednesday, May 15, on Capitol Expressway, north and southbound, between Quimby Road and Tully Road first and similarly moving north towards other blocks such as Tully to Ocala, Ocala to Story and Story to Capitol Avenue in the next several weeks. This will commence at the beginning of the reduced speed limit to 35mph. Advance signage has been in place. PCMS boards were updated on May 6 advising of this upcoming change. 

Two Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) on Capitol Expressway are updated to reflect the traffic shifts. One is moved farther south between Quimby and Newman to advise motorists heading north on Cap. E. 

Anticipated activities beginning the week of 05/13/24 
  • Planning for traffic shift and removal of one lane in each direction from Quimby to Capitol Avenue. The PCMS boards have been updated. Traffic shifts begin 5/15. 
  • Grind and stripe traffic lanes during the day for the next 2 weeks (formerly scheduled for overnight activity) 
  • Install concrete barriers in the median after the traffic shift
  • K-rail (Quimby to Tully) is scheduled for installation Friday/Saturday

Moving Forward,


The EBRC Construction & Engagement Team

Community Outreach

Outreach to the Community is delivered in many ways, from email, web page posting like this, signage, tabling at events, presenting at your neighborhood association, home visits for specific purposes, and by mail notifications, to name a few. We use multiple approaches to ensure the community is informed and allow for authentic engagement.

In case you missed the October 2024 in-person and virtual meetings you can watch the recordings below. The meetings provided an update on current construction activities and shared what to expect going forward for the next several months:

EBRC, 10/9/2024 Virtual Meeting

EBRC, 10/10/2024 Virtual Public Meeting (SPANISH)

Construction Notices

May 2024 - Construction Notice. This provides an overview of all activities that will begin in May 2024.

June 3-28, 2024 Construction Notice. K-Rail, demolition, mobilizing equipment, drilling and pile testing, and fabricating temporary sound walls. Night: Install temporary sound walls. 

June 17-July 8, 2024 Construction Notice. Utility potholing, drainage, install temporary
noise barriers. mobilize heavy equipment.

June 20-July 29, 2024 Construction Notice. Pile Driving. utility installation. drainage, demolition.

Project Events & Community Meetings

Learn where VTA staff are sharing project information and invite us to table at your next event!

9/11/24: Back to School! Katherine Smith Elementary School, 4:30pm

9/19/24: Alum Rock Unified School District Back to School and Resource Fair! San Antonio Elementary School, 5pm​​​​​

9/21/24: Join us for the house warming/open house of the EBRC Community Outreach Office, 1093. S. Capitol Avenue, 11am-1pm.

9/25/24: Back to School! Aptitud Community Academy at Goss, 5pm

10/2/24: Viva Escuela, Katherine Smith Elementary, 6am (yes, AM!)

10/5/24: VTA hosted Community Meeting, 10am, Hank Lopez Community Center

10/5/24: Health Fair/Binational Health Week, 9am, Eastridge Mall

10/9/24: VTA hosted Community Meeting via Zoom, 6pm

10/10/24: VTA hosted Community Meeting via Zoom, 6pm (facilitated in Spanish)

10/25/24: Foxdale Neighborhood Fall Festival

10/26/24: District 8 Family Fun Fall Festival/Cunningham Park

11/6/24: Coffee with the Principal - Katherine Smith Elementary School

12/13/24: Holiday Open House and Community Appreciation - EBRC Community Outreach Office, 1093. S. Capitol Avenue, 4-7pm

Previous Meetings Videos

Links below are the recordings of virtual community meetings:

EBRC 10.10.2024 Public Meeting
EBRC, 10/10/2024 Virtual Public Meeting (SPANISH)
EBRC 10.9.2024 Public Meeting
EBRC, 10/9/2024 Virtual Public Meeting

 

Project Newsletters

EBRC-Summer 2024
This issue covers project updates to recent and current activities, and upcoming community events. Happy Summer Reading!

EBRC-Spring 2024
This issue covers project updates to recent and current activities, funding, project schedules, community events happening later this spring, project benefits, and more.

EBRC-Summer 2022
In addition to project updates, this newsletter provides information on the project benefits and an introduction to the station art enhancement activities that begin this fall. Let's dive in!

EBRC-Summer 2021 & Notice of Utility Relocation
To say that 2020 and 2021 have been challenging is an understatement. Even though we at VTA have had to adjust to to the way we work, the planning work on Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Project continued. Let's catch up!

Station Art Enhancement

Did You Miss the Station Art Concept Meetings - August 31, AND September 13?

VTA has provided opportunities for community review of proposed light rail station art concepts. The designs the artists presented were inspired and influenced by community input shared in January’s Meet the Artists meetings and coupled with the artists’ research.

Eastridge Station
Our first meeting, held on August 31 revealed the design for Eastridge Station. Artists Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan presented Radiance, an abstract sculpture inspired by East San Jose’s community celebrations, agricultural history, natural environment, and quality of light.

Radiance is a metaphoric graft of aspects of the Eastridge Station’s surrounding community and nature in which its diverse cultures and landscapes come together to form a radiant whole. The sculpture forms a portal to be walked through. It is intended to be located so it will greet residents and visitors from many vantage points at the nexus of the future light rail station, bus terminals, Park & Ride, and pedestrian trails.

The sculpture changes in appearance as people move around and through it. When viewed from the front, its lower arbor pipes form a subtle heart shape. Viewed diagonally, they form a moon-like ellipse. Viewed from the side, the vertical arbor pipes with the matrix on top suggest a grove of trees. Standing beneath the sculpture will be like looking up into a tree canopy of fruit and flowers. Walking through the sculpture is intended to be a small moment of magic.

Story Road Station
Building on the momentum and spirit of weaving in community engagement and historical research, artist Amir Fallah presented his design concept for Story Road Station, Interwoven on September 13.

Interwoven was inspired by San José’s diverse patchwork of people, cultures, and landscapes. The concept transforms the three elevator towers, and pedestrian overcrossing, into a feature gateway over Capitol Expressway. Collaborating with the architects, the original metal panels design has been reimagined in a custom blueberry color palette, designed to visually connect the three towers. Standing proud of the tower cladding are sixteen glass light boxes of various sizes. The light boxes are strategically placed to be seen from every vantage point, including the roadway, sidewalks, stairs, lightrail platform, and from the train itself. The vibrant and colorful images, lit from within, will have an identity both day and night.

Interwoven features a complex array of images that portray the intersection of landscapes and cultures that is San José. The lightbox element of the artwork includes pictures and patterning from the cultures making up the tapestry of San José, including indigenous, Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, and Persian. Throughout the artwork geometric designs refer to the larger theme of interconnectivity and community. A redwood tree refers to the nearby forests, a hand holding a mirror reflects a Mexican desert landscape, a detailed geometric motif commonly seen in East Asian artwork is placed alongside a traditional Mexican textile pattern. Driving south on Capitol Expressway a dreamed panoramic image, split in two, continues from the east elevator tower to the western tower.

Contributing an additional dimension to the work, Mr. Fallah will be commissioning four San José poets, several from east San José, to contribute lines of poetry that will be a central component of the artwork. They will be prompted to respond to themes of travel, journey, voyage, and wandering. From the submissions, Mr. Fallah will select text as part of the artwork.

Each of the recorded meetings and copy of the presentation are linked below for your review. 

You have one more opportunity to see the artists presentations

The City of San Jose Public Art Committee will receive similar presentations from the artists when they meet on October 3, 2023 at 5:30pm. Both stations will be reviewed. The San Jose Art Commission meetings are open to the public. Refer directly to the Public Art Committee website for meeting agenda and other information.

Download the Station Art Concept presentations:

Eastridge Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Presentation 8-31-23 – English

Eastridge Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Presentation 8-31-23 – Spanish

Story Road Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Presentation 9-13-23-English

Story Road Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Presentation 9-13-23-Spanish

Or watch the recorded meetings located on SCVTA YouTube:

Eastridge Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Recording 8-31-23-English

Eastridge Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Recording 8-31-23-Spanish

Story Road Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Recording 9-13-23-English

Story Road Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Recording 9-13-23-Spanish

Previously

Meet the Artists!

We have been very excited to introduce the community to the artists selected to enhance the new light rail stations planned for Story Road and Eastridge. Through a rigorous process of artist outreach and selection, Amir Fallah, and the team of Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan, have been commissioned. These artists are all experienced public artists. Their work extends beyond their studios and responds to site and community. They also have track records for sizable, successfully maintainable, permanent public artworks.

The Station Art Enhancement Community Meetings held on January 9 and January 11 (facilitated in Spanish) were the “kick-off” for the artists’ design process, in advance of them doing any design work. The purpose of the meetings were for the community to become acquainted with the artists, and to get a sense of their visual vocabulary and their approach to public art. Each artists presented examples of previous public art installations, and their approach to the designs and mediums used. These meetings were also meant to provide foundational inspiration for the artists’ work, here, in San Jose.

Through an on-line activity, participants responded to four questions:

1. Which neighborhood are you connected to? What is important for us to know about it?

2. Think about a place that is special to you in San Jose. Describe the spot and why you chose it?

3. Please provide three words describing what is important to you personally, or which symbolize your community?

4. What is one of your favorite public artworks in San Jose (or anywhere)? Why?

The meetings provided an opportunity for the artists to learn about the community. It was not surprising that participants represented a wide variety of East San Jose neighborhoods! When asked about a place that is special in San Jose, we heard about the foothills, the greenery, the views, and about the Mexican Heritage Plaza, Alum Rock Park, Eastridge Mall, Marks Hotdogs, Emma Prusch Farm, and the list goes on.

Through the responses to the four questions, the artists gained a good sense of the community. The responses articulated the richness and diversity of East San Jose. It helped the artists get to know you.

In case you missed it, the meetings were recorded. Due to a technical glitch, the meeting on January 9 had to be re-recorded. Instead of watching the activity, we share how it went. The meeting on January 11 went off without any glitches and the recording, in Spanish, has the same artists presentation, and you can watch how the activity was facilitated. Links to the recorded meetings are available on YouTube:

EBRC Station Art Enhancement 1-9-2023

EBRC Majora artistica la estacion 1-11-2023

January 9, 2023 - presentation slides and script

January 11, 2023 - presentation slides and script (Spanish)

If you attended, or missed it, but had a thought to any of the questions asked that we should include, go ahead and send that to community.outreach@vta.org, and we will pass that along to the art team.

Later this spring, we will host the next meeting to update and share the concepts each of the artists’ have for the new stations!

Stakeholder Working Group

A Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) has been created. The Eastridge nominated each SWG member to BART Regional Connector Policy Advisory Board to represent the unique constituencies that live, work, and play along the project alignment. Their role is to disseminate information to the stakeholders near the project area and to give feedback to the project team. The members are listed below.

Stakeholder Working Group 2024 Meeting Dates:

March 28, 6:30 pm -  A recording of this evening's meeting is provided below.

May 23, 6:30 pm Stakeholder Working Group Meeting - I've shared a recording of this evening's meeting below.

August 15, 6:30 pm Stakeholder Working Group Meeting - I've shared a recording of this evening's meeting below.

​​​​​​​​​​November 21, 6:30 pm Stakeholder Working Group Meeting

Stakeholder Working Group Presentations and Recordings of Meetings

In case you missed the SWG Committee meeting, you can select the following links for meeting presentations and video recordings that are direct links to the YouTube recordings.

08/15/2024  - EBRC-SWG shared construction updates, and heard from SWG members regarding any construction questions and concerns. 

05/23/2024  - EBRC-SWG meeting today shared news of the construction updates, and heard from SWG members how drivers and communities are adjusting during active construction and lane closures. 

03/28/2024 - EBRC-SWG meeting today shared news of the construction contract award. The SWG discussed near-term community outreach and construction activities. To see/hear the recording, select March 28, EBRC-SWG Meeting.

08/24/2023 - EBRC-SWG meeting today provided project updates and discussed upcoming station art enhancement meetings. In the project update, we shared elements of the contract that encourage small business enterprises to bid on the project and project labor agreement requirements. To see/hear the recording, you can just select the August 2023 EBRC-SWG Meeting.

03/25/2023 - EBRC-SWG meeting today provided project updates to funding (fully funded!), schedule, current outreach activities, and update to current utility relocation activities. To see/hear the recording, please select May 2023 EBRC-SWG Meeting.

08/25/2022 - EBRC-SWG meeting today provided a review of the previous two years of topical review, community outreach update, current project updates, including utility relocation activities. To see the recording, please select August 2022 EBRC-SWG Meeting. 

2/24/2022 - EBRC-SWG Meeting today provided project updates, including current utility relocation activities. The discussion about noise and vibration, that was introduced last quarter, continued with a focus on vibration monitoring and the process for monitor and property inspections. To see the recording, please select February 2022 EBRC-SWG Meeting. 

11/18/2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting provides an update active utility relocation, Community Outreach report, and further discussion on how the project team will be monitoring and mitigating vibration impacts from future construction activities. 
November 2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube
​​​
8/26/2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting includes Station Art Enhancement Program presentation, and introduction to construction noise and vibration assessment and mitigation.
August 2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube

6/24/2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting includes detailed presentation on utility relocation.

June 2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube

2/25/2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting includes detailed presentation on bridge construction, and traffic. 
February 2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube

11/19/2020 EBRC-SWG Meeting includes presentations on the future technology (light rail) and the history leading to the elimination of a station at Ocala in 2014.
November 2020 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube

8/27/2020 EBRC-SWG Meeting Orientation and project description.
August 2020 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube

Reference Materials

PG&E Greenbook: Provides information about trees clearance under and around transmission lines.

SWG Members

Laura Arechiga, Welch Park Neighborhood Association, District 8
Ernesto Barajas, Cassel Neighborhood Association, District 5
Huascar Castro, Working Partnerships
Craig Ferguson, Thompson Creek Neighborhood Association, District 8
Sandy Flores, Capitol Park Goss Dobern Neighborhood Association, District 5
Julies Nunes, Lyndale Neighborhood Association, District 5
John Peterson, Eastridge Mall

Environmental Documents

VTA has prepared the 2021 Third Addendum to the Final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Final SEIR-2) for the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Project.   

The Third Addendum evaluates the removal of an additional 60 – 70 trees along the east side of Capitol Expressway between Ocala Avenue and Quimby Road. The removal of additional trees is a result of new information, received from PG&E, that trees above a certain height under high voltage electric lines are required to be cleared for public safety reasons and to provide access to the lines for maintenance and repairs.

All trees removed by the Project will be replaced at ratios determined by their size and replacement species (i.e., native versus non-native). In the Second Addendum to the Final SEIR-2 approved in February 2020, the VTA Board approved the payment of in-lieu fees to replace trees within two miles of the project corridor to the maximum extent practicable given the limited right-of-way available for tree replacement within the project limits. According to a tree inventory conducted by a certified arborist, the Project will be required to provide an additional 67 – 128 replacement trees depending on the replacement species (i.e., native versus non-native).

On February 18, 2021, the Congestion Management Program and Planning Committee (CMPP) will make a recommendation to VTA's Board of Directors regarding the adoption of the Third Addendum and approval of the proposed change to the Project.

On March 4, 2021, VTA's Board of Directors will consider adoption of the Third Addendum and approval of the proposed change to the Project. 

If you have any written comments on the adoption of the Third Addendum and the approval of the change to the Project, it is requested that you submit them as soon as possible but no later than 12:00 pm on February 17, 2021, for the CMPP meeting, and no later than 12:00 pm on March 4, 2021, for the Board meeting.

Verbal comments may also be provided at both meetings via Zoom. The agenda and zoom link are available: Congestion Management Program and Planning Committee Page

Written comments can be submitted via the following methods:

Mail: Christina Jaworski, Senior Environmental Planner Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Environmental Programs 3331 North First Street, Building B-2 San José, CA 95134-1927

Email: Christina.Jaworski@vta.org

If you have any questions about the Third Addendum,  contact Christina Jaworski, Senior Environmental Planner, at Christina.Jaworski@vta.org.

Previous Environmental Documents

Addendum to Environmental Documents

2019 Final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report

2018 Draft Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report

2014 Final Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration

2012 Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement 

2012 Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report

2009-2011 Misc. Environmental Document

2010 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Categorical Exclusion)

2007 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report

2005 Final Environmental Impact Report

Utility Construction Notices

Utility and project construction notices will be posted here, as well as under 'Notices' on the right margin. Check here for a quick search for a notice, and the area it pertains to. The latest notices will be on top. Often there is work on the corridor that isn't related to this project, and we can try to help identify if it is not project-related. Utility owners will also provide notices to residents and businesses located within 300' of the work area. Any potential interruptions in service will be noticed by the respective utility owner.

1/13/2024 - 1/14/2024: Overnight construction activities for utility relocation. Crown Castle will work to activate new fiber lines along Capital Expressway, S. Capitol Avenue, and Highwood Drive.

12/12/2023 - 12/29/2023: Ongoing night & day construction activities for utility relocation. Comcast contractor Fibertel will work to activate new fiber lines along E. Capitol Expressway, Story Road, S. Capitol Avenue, and Westboro Drive.  

11/16/2023 & 11/30/2023: Utility relocations work along E. Capitol Expy and S. Capitol Ave: Fiber Company Crown Castle will be working overnight to early morning to install a new fiber line and remove the traffic pole at the intersection of E. Capitol Expy and S. Capitol Ave.

2/16/2023: Utility relocations work along S. Capitol Avenue at Crossroads Shopping Center: PG&E and its contractor, (Underground Construction), AT&T, and Comcast will continue the next phase of utility relocations along S. Capitol Avenue, and the landscaped area of the Crossroads Shopping Center located at 459 and 461 S. Capitol Avenue. Workers will be performing construction to install underground utilities.

10/12/2022: Ongoing Construction Activities for Utility Relocation: PG&E, and their contractor, Underground Construction, will begin the next phase of underground utility relocation of gas and electric services. Additional utility owners that share the same areas, AT&T, Comcast, and Crown Castle will coordinate their activities in the same area. Most of the work is occurring on Capitol Expressway and Capitol Avenue. This phase will continue through mid-2023.

7/25/2022: San Jose Water Utility Relocation: Weather and conditions pending, restoration/paving activities could occur through the end of August. Restoration includes paving in multiple areas, including S. Capitol Avenue near the Crossroads Shopping Center, and Highwood Drive. Restoration/Paving will also occur along S. Capitol Avenue @ Bambi Lane, Capitol Expressway @ Kollmar Dr., and Story Road. For additional details, please select San Jose Water Utility Relocation Update.

7/1/2022: West Valley Construction continues to work to connect the new water service to the new fire suppression equipment at Crossroads Shopping Center located at 459 S. Capitol Avenue. San Jose Water Company and its contractor, Pacific Underground Construction (PUC), will also continue work on the underground water line along Capitol Avenue and relocate the fire hydrant on the sidewalk. The existing sidewalk and roadway next to the Crossroads Shopping Center will be restored after the water line work is completed in the area. Download a PDF copy of the notice.

6/21/2022: San Jose Water Utility Relocation: Capitol Avenue/ Crossroads Shopping Center -  Weather and conditions permitting, San Jose Water Company, and their contractor, Pacific Underground Construction (PUC), will continue relocating and installing new underground water lines along Capitol Avenue, next to the Crossroads Shopping Center located at 461 S. Capitol Avenue. Additional work to relocate a fire hydrant and fire suppression equipment will occur on the property in the sidewalk and landscape areas. For complete details, select SJW @ Crossroads June 2022. 

6/1/22: PG&E Gas Line Relocation - Weather and conditions pending, PG&E will replace/relocate sections of their natural gas pipeline located on Capitol Avenue between Bambi Lane and Capitol Avenue. The actual timeline of the relocation is about 2 weeks. Preliminary activities could delay the start. It will be complete by the end of summer. PG&E crews are coordinating activities directly with private property owners. Download a PDF copy of the notice.

2/11/22: San Jose Water Utility Relocation - San Jose Water's contractor, Pacific Underground Construction, will continue the relocation of underground facilities, weather and conditions permitting. Their activities are expected to last through March. San Jose Water will directly notify their customers if there are impacts to water service. Activities will occur on the Capitol Expressway between Wilbur Avenue and Tudor Court. Addition work will occur on Capitol Expressway at Highwood Drive, Bambi Lane, and Kollmer Drive. Beginning 2/14/22, there will be overnight activities at Capitol Expressway at the Story Road intersection.

2/1/2022: (Revised 3/1/2022) MCI/Verizon Underground Relocation - Weather and conditions permitting, this activity takes place on the north and southwest corners of Capitol Expressway at Tully  Road, and north and southwest corners of Capitol Expressway at Swift Lane. MCI/Verizon's contractor noticed the business's week of 1/31. They have additional work along the expressway at Cunningham and VTA will share the notification when it is received, expected for later this month. Crews will begin working in the Capitol Expressway/Tully Road Intersection on March 7. Notices to nearby businesses were provided by Solcom. 

11/8/2021: San Jose Water Utility Relocation - San Jose Water's contractor, Pacific Underground Construction, will begin relocation of underground facilities, weather and conditions permitting, on November 15. Their activities are expected to last through mid-March. San Jose Water will directly notify their customers if there are impacts to water service. Activities will occur on the Capitol Expressway between Wilbur Avenue and Tudor Court. Addition work will occur on Capitol Expressway at Highwood Drive, Bambi Lane, and Kollmer Drive. 

10/5/2021: MCI/Verizon Underground Relocation - This is a 2-day activity to clear fiber optic cables out from the area where PG&E is relocating the transmission poles. This activity takes place on the east side of Capitol Expressway, on the sidewalk, between Tully and Quimby Road (in front of the In & Out Burger area). MCI/Verizon's contractor noticed the business's week of 9/27. They have additional work along the expressway and VTA will share the notification when it is received. 

This activity is complete.

9/20/2021: PG&E Transmission Lines and Poles Relocation begins. PG&E notified customers the week of 9/13. This is to clear the old trellis towers in the center of the Capitol Expressway with new poles to the east side of the Capitol Expressway, clearing space for the future light rail expansion. 

This activity was completed in December 2021.

8/27/2021: Utility Relocation Overview Description- noted in the Summer 2021 Newsletter, these slides show where the utility companies will be working along Capitol Avenue, Capitol Expressway @ Story Rd, @ Tully Road, and PG&E Transmission lines and pole relocation on Capitol Expressway between Ocala Avenue and Quimby Road. 

7/27/2021: Advance Construction - Building Removal, S. Capitol Expressway @ Story Road - Begins on or about August 3, 2021. Summary: VTA will remove (demolish) the building located at 1093  S. Capitol Expressway. It is private property that VTA owns/acquired for the project. Activities are expected to take 4 days. The property will be cleaned and fencing removed on the last day. Community Outreach staff delivered notices to nearby businesses and residents adjacent to the property on 7/27/21. There are no business, traffic, or pedestrian impacts. There will be noise impacts from construction equipment.

5/10/2021: Utility Notice - Gas Line Distribution, S. Capitol Avenue - Begins on or about May 24, 2021. PG&E will mail notices (attached above), and call residents and businesses that are located within 300 feet of the areas they are working in to provide details that could impact their service.
Summary: PG&E is replacing sections of their natural gas pipeline on South Capitol Avenue from Lombard Avenue to East Capitol Expressway at Babb Creek in San Jose. Intermittent lane closures and no parking signs in the work areas will be posted. Please plan for minor delays when driving through the project area.

2/2/2021: Advance Construction Work - Crossroads Shopping Center Notice, expected to begin on or about February 8, 2021. 
Summary: Activities are on private property with some intermittent sidewalks and traffic lane impact during tree removal. This notice was mailed on 1/29/2021 to and including the area 1/4 mile of 461 S. Capitol Ave., emailed to project stakeholders, and to the immediate Nextdoor neighborhoods. Community outreach staff delivered notices door-door to businesses on 2/1/2021. There are no business access impacts. 

Videos

Project Videos

3-18-2024
VTA is excited to begin construction of the light rail extension in E. San Jose. Watch this video Eastridge to BART Project Benefits to learn of the benefits this project brings to the community, and VTA's transit service!  

Curious to see how Capitol Expressway will look with light rail when the project is complete? Check out this video via VTA's Youtube: Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Video.

Contractors Information

Interested in this contracting opportunity? Please visit Doing Business with VTA. On this page you will see all open and upcoming contracting opportunities, learn how to register for contract notifications, and become certified with VTA's Business Diversity Program. 

Aerial view of East San Jose at Capitol Expressway in the late afternoon.

(East San Jose) - The Eastridge to BART Regional Connector is taking form. Falsework is underway on 
Capitol Expressway near the Ocala intersection, preceded by rebar and column-forming, and prior to that, 
pile driving. Look at this stunning view of the EBRC project with the East Foothills in the background,
late afternoon on Friday, November 8th. [Photo by Stanley Fong, VTA Creative Services Manager]. 

 

Background

The Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Project (EBRC) extends light rail from the existing Alum Rock Light Rail Station to the Eastridge Transit Center with an elevated guideway primarily in the center of the Capitol Expressway. The Eastridge extension will include an elevated light rail station at Story Road and an at-grade station located at the Eastridge Transit Center. When this project is complete, VTA riders can board the light rail at the Eastridge Station and connect directly with BART at the Milpitas Station.

This project (formerly Capitol Expressway Light Rail Project) has been delivered in phases. The first phase was delivered in two parts. In Phase 1A, VTA addressed pedestrian access and improved safety measures along the expressway between Quimby Road and Capitol Avenue. This was completed in Fall 2012 and included new sidewalks, street lighting, and a landscaping buffer. Phase 1B was the reconstruction of the Eastridge Transit Center. The improvements to the transit center included new shelters and amenities and support BRT. This was completed in 2015. 

The light rail extension is Phase 2, and the final phase of the larger Capitol Expressway Transit Improvement Project that transforms the Capitol Expressway into a multi-modal expressway offering bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail transit, and safe connections to the regional transit system.

Project Status

Construction has started and is anticipated to be completed in 2028. Construction activities will increase traffic and drive time from permanent and temporary lane closures on Capitol Expressway. Construction activities are noisy. There will be large equipment that causes vibrations that will be felt by people who live or work along the corridor.

Weekly Updates
110124 Work to begin on Story Rd and Capitol Expressway

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector 
Weekly Construction Update 
Friday, November 1, 2024
 

Greetings,

Overnight work is scheduled to begin on Sunday, Nov 3rd. Crews will be working overnight in the median of Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue this week and on the northbound side near Tully Road next week. K-rail will be installed on the west side of Capitol Expressway south of Ocala to begin the demolition and roadway widening work, including the BRT station relocation.  Daywork will continue next week at the project's northeast end, near the VTA’s Alum Rock station on Capitol Avenue, and on S. Capitol Avenue, westside.

Construction activities can change at any time due to weather and other conditions.

 ​​​​​

ACTIVITIES NEAR BUSINESSES
 

Day and night work at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Story Road:

  • Chevron Gas Station – Work is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 5, 2024; The driveway on Story Road closest to Capitol Expressway will be temporarily closed while crews perform underground utility relocation and driveway reconstruction. The driveway to the east on Story Road will be open, and the driveway on Capitol Expressway will remain open. Pedestrian and bike riders will be able to use the sidewalk on Capitol Expressway while this is happening.
     
  • Chevron Gas Station and S&S Market – In late November, the driveways facing Capitol Expressway will be permanently closed. An ADA-accessible pedestrian and bike path will be built for the community to use.  Access to S&S Market will be via Kollmar Avenue. Access to Chevron will be via Story Road and both driveways on Story Road will be open. Directional signage will be placed to advise customers.  

                             

  • World Oil Gas Station – Potholing, demolition, underground drainage, sanitary sewer construction, curb and gutter, driveway and roadway construction near the station will require a temporary barrier and lane closures. The driveway on Capitol Expressway will remain open as an entrance only. 

Work at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Tully Road:

  • Mercedez Benz Dealership - Night work to install drainage systems is anticipated to begin on the week of November 10, 2024, and continue for several weeks until completed.

Work on Capitol Avenue and Capitol Expressway:

  • Crossroads Shopping Center – Driveway and curbs are completed on S. Capitol Avenue. Work continues with concrete pouring, sidewalk, installing streetlights, landscaping and temporary barrier removal is anticipated for mid-November.

ACTIVITIES NEAR RESIDENCES

  • Homes on Capitol Avenue and Lombard Street – Driveways are complete, with minor details and sidewalk work to be completed next week. Street lighting installation and temporary barrier removal is anticipated for Mid-November.
     
  • Homes on S. Capitol Avenue and Excalibur Drive – Several activities including street lighting, fiber optic cable, bioswale installation, curb and gutter, and roadway paving are expected to continue through the end of November. 

BUS OPERATIONS

  • Due to the temporarily lane closures for underground work and new K-rails that will be installed next week (which makes it more difficult for a bus to make a right turn onto Capitol Expressway), for the next phase of road widening work, eastbound Route 70 buses have been rerouted via Leeward Drive, to Foxdale Drive, and then to Capitol Expressway until Spring 2025. Residents can board the bus at the temporary bus stop located on Capitol nearside Ocala.
  • VTA completed additional temporary lighting to the stations and will continue to monitor to ensure that adequate lighting is provided along the pedestrian pathways at night.

Anticipated work from 11/02/24 through 11/22/24

***Construction activities and schedules can change at any time.  

Day Work                              

  • Excavate and install drainage systems along the Capitol Expressway.
  • Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast piles, and driving piles are happening at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.  
  • Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.
  • Falsework to build the bridge deck is underway.  Work is conducted during the daytime and sometimes overnight due to multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and build support structures safely – this overnight work is planned to start on 11/3 (Sunday).
  • Eastbound Ocala Avenue will again be temporarily closed during 9 am - 3pm for drainage work on Capitol Expressway for a couple days, currently planned for the week of 11/10.
  • Saturday work will continue for excavation and shoring work in the median at several locations, as needed.  

ENVIRONMENTAL

 Stormwater

  • Current work locations are preparing for upcoming rainy season.
  • Fiber rolls for erosion and sediment control have been installed throughout the active median on Capitol Expressway.
  • Drain inlets throughout the project site are protected from construction activities.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

  • Staff continues engaging one-on-one with business owners, residents, and the public in general. Concerns are addressed as soon as possible.
  • VTA Outreach Staff will present a project update at Coffee with the Principal at Katherine Smith Elementary School on November 11, 2024.
  • The latest construction update (Nov 1-30, 2024) is being delivered to residents and business owners.
  • For EBRC’s construction updates and traffic advisories, please go to vta.org/eastridgetoBART.  
  • The Community Outreach Field Office is open on
     Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and
    Fridays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and by appointment.  
  • The field office is at 1091 S. Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95127.
  • Community Outreach can be reached by calling 408.321.7575, or emailing community.outreach@vta.org

Moving Forward,

The Construction and Engagement Team

102524 Businesses, Residences, Bus Operations, Environmental

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector  
 Weekly Construction Update  
 Friday, October 25, 2024

Greetings, 
   
Work continues at the median of Capitol Expressway, North and South of Ocala Avenue. Work is also underway at the project's north end, near the VTA’s Alum Rock station on Capitol Avenue, and on S. Capitol Avenue, westside. Community Outreach staff are communicating with residents and businesses, to keep the community apprised of activities and address their issues and concerns.
 
 
ACTIVITIES NEAR BUSINESSES

Day and night work at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Story Road:
·    Chevron Gas Station – In early November, one of the two driveways on Story Road will remain open, while the driveway on Story Road closest to Capitol Expressway will be temporarily closed. Pedestrian and bike riders will be able to use the sidewalk on Capitol Expressway while this is happening. 

·    Chevron Gas Station and S&S Market – In late November, the driveways facing Capitol Expressway will be permanently closed. An ADA-accessible pedestrian and bike path will be built for the community to use.  Access to S&S Market will be via Kollmar Avenue. Access to Chevron will be via Story Road. Directional signage will be placed to advise customers.   
                              
·    World Oil Gas Station – Potholing, and underground drainage and sanitary sewer construction in the roadways near the station will require temporary lane closure however the driveway on Capitol Expressway will remain open. At the end of the year when new curb and sidewalk activities begin, customers will be able to enter the gas station from Capitol Expressway. They will exit to Story Road. Directional signage will be in place to direct traffic in and out of the station.

Work at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Tully Road:
·    Mercedez Benz Dealership - Overnight work to install drainage systems is anticipated to begin on the week of November 3and continue for several weeks until late November. 

Work on Capitol Avenue and Capitol Expressway:

  • Crossroads Shopping Center – Driveway and curbs are completed. The sidewalk work in the surrounding area continues and is anticipated to be substantially completed by the end of October.  Street lighting and remaining work is expected to be completed by mid-November.

ACTIVITIES NEAR RESIDENCES

  • Homes on Capitol Avenue and Lombard Street – Driveways are completed. The sidewalk work in the surrounding area continues and is anticipated to be substantially complete by the end of October. Street lighting installation and K-Rail removal is anticipated for Mid-November.
     
  • Homes on S. Capitol Avenue and Excalibur Drive – Several activities including street lighting, fiber optic cable, bioswale installation, curb forming and pouring are ongoing and expected to continue through the end of November. 

BUS OPERATIONS

  • Eastbound Ocala Avenue will be temporarily closed for work at Capitol Expressway for a couple days next week, eastbound Route 70 buses will be rerouted via Leeward Drive, to Foxdale Drive, and then to Capitol Expressway. Residents can board the bus at the temporary bus stop located on Capitol nearside Ocala.
  • VTA is currently working with a contractor to ensure that adequate lighting is provided along the pedestrian pathways at night.

Anticipated work from 10/25/24 through 11/22/24

***Construction activities and schedules can change at any time.

Day Work                              

  • Excavate and install drainage systems along the Capitol Expressway.
  • Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast piles, and driving piles are happening at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.

As of 10/25/24 Pile driving is by the Foxdale Apartments, moving north on  
 Capitol Expressway between Foxdale Drive and Story Road.    

  • Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.  
  • Falsework to build the bridge deck is underway.  Work is conducted during the daytime and sometimes overnight due to multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and build support structures safely – this overnight work is planned to start at the beginning of November.
  • Saturday work will continue for excavation and shoring work in the median at several locations, as needed.  

ENVIRONMENTAL

 Stormwater

  • Current work locations are preparing for upcoming rainy season.
  • Fiber rolls for erosion and sediment control have been installed throughout the active median on Capitol Expressway.
  • Drain inlets throughout the project site are protected from construction activities.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

  • Staff continues engaging one-on-one with business owners, residents, and the public in general. Concerns are addressed as soon as possible
  • Staff has spoken about the project on NBC-TV, Telemundo, Univision, and KCBS Radio as well as on Instagram and Facebook. Please follow us @SCVTA.
  • We are about to begin another round of construction updates to be delivered to businesses and residents located very close to the project, and we are preparing a marketing campaign to support businesses in the area.
  • For EBRC’s construction updates and traffic advisories, please go to vta.org/eastridgetoBART. 
  • Staff will participate in the following events:

Foxdale Fall Festival - Foxdale Village Apartments (10/25)

District 8 Fall Festival - Lake Cunningham Park (10/26)

  • The Community Outreach Field Office is open on
     Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and
    Fridays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and by appointment.  
  • The field office is at 1091 S. Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95127.
  • Community Outreach can be reached by calling 408.321.7575, or emailing community.outreach@vta.org

Moving Forward,

The Construction and Engagement Team

101824 Falsework, Upcoming Night Work

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector 
Weekly Construction Update 
Friday, October 18, 2024 

Greetings, 

This past week, VTA’s Transit Services personnel conducted a test drive at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Capitol Avenue to ensure the upcoming temporary road realignment will not impede the bus routes in that area. With traffic modifications around the corner, similar activities will occur throughout the construction zone as needed.  

 Work continues at the median, North and South of Ocala Avenue. Work is also underway at the project's north end, near the VTA’s Alum Rock station, and on S. Capitol Avenue (westside). The EBRC team constantly communicates with residents, businesses, and the public to address their issues and concerns. 

The City of San Jose and utility companies are currently working on the east and west sides of the EBRC construction zone, doing paving jobs and other public works. This may confuse residents, who think the road closures and detours are related to the EBRC construction project. EBRC Project will try to coordinate with other projects, whenever  
we can, to minimize traffic impacts and we thank the public for their patience for all public work within the area. 

For EBRC’s construction updates and traffic advisories, go to vta.org/eastridgetoBART. 

Upcoming Traffic Modifications   

***For planning purposes only.  

There will be temporary 1-lane closures from 9 am – to 3 pm, both Northbound and Southbound, from the VTA-Alum Rock Transit Center to the Eastridge Transit Center for structure work in the median and outside civil/underground and traffic signal/street lighting work. 
 

There will be nighttime 2-lane closures from 10 pm – 5 am, primarily northbound from Story Road to Tully Road along Capitol Expressway, where the contractor is working on falsework for the deck structure above ground (note this is moving from location to location, starting north of Ocala going North and south of Cunningham going South) beginning around the end of October. Other periodic nighttime 2-lane closures may also occur at various areas along the project corridor on either direction for underground sanitary sewer and drainage work that is in the middle of or crossing multiple travel lanes.  

A temporary BRT bus stop has been established north of the Ocala intersection. It will remain in service at this location through mid-2025. In early 2025, the southbound BRT Ocala station bus shelter will be removed and relocated to the west and will be ready for use in mid-2025. 

Anticipated work from 10/18/24 through 11/03/24 

***Construction activities and schedules can change at any time. 

Day Work 

  • Excavate and install drainage systems along the Capitol Expressway. 
  • Hard surface removal, concrete pouring, form and pour curbs, and curing on Capitol Avenue. Portions of driveways will remain open for residents who live by active construction and for businesses at the Crossroad Shopping Center.  
  • Various construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue are taking place, with minimal or no impacts on residents.  
  • Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast piles, and driving piles are happening at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue. 
    * As of 10/18/24 Pile driving is approaching the Foxdale Apartments, going north on  Capitol Expressway between Foxdale Drive and Story Road.  
  • Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue. 
  • Falsework to build the bridge deck has begun. Work is conducted during the daytime and sometimes at night due to multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and build support structures safely. 

Night and Saturday Work 

  • Night work is anticipated at the North-East corner of Capitol Expressway and Tully Road, beginning on Sunday, October 27, 2024. 
  • Night work is anticipated at the median and other locations beginning on Sunday, October 27, 2024. 
  • Saturday work will continue for excavation and shoring work in the median at several locations, as needed.  

COMMUNITY OUTREACH 

LATEST ACTIVITIES 

  • Staff participated at the Resource Fair at Lee Mathson Middle School (10/15)

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES 

  • Foxdale Fall Festival - Foxdale Village Apartments (10/25) 

  • District 8 Fall Festival - Lake Cunningham Park (10/26) 

OUTREACH FIELD OFFICE 

  • Please remember that the Community Outreach Field Office is open  
    Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm  
    and by appointment. The field office is at 1091 S. Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95127. 

Moving Forward, 

The Construction and Engagement Team 

101124 Traffic Modifications, Upcoming Falsework and Other Activities

Greetings,

Construction activities are at a phase where lane and road closures and detours can occur more often. Traffic modifications are expected, and the traffic signage is placed where needed. Traffic Advisories will be shared with the community and found on the project’s website at vta.org/eastridgetoBART.

To date, at least 200 piles have been driven into the ground. Pile driving and column pouring activities are active in some segments. Similarly, roadway construction activities continue by the Crossroads Shopping Center on Capitol Avenue and S. Capitol Avenue between Excalibur Drive and Story Road.

Upcoming Traffic Modifications 

***For planning purposes only.

  • There will be temporary 1-lane closures from 9 am – to 3 pm, both Northbound and Southbound, from the VTA-Alum Rock Transit Center to the Eastridge Transit Center for structure work in the median and outside civil/underground and traffic signal/street lighting work.
     
  • There will be nighttime 2-lane closures from 8 pm – 5 am, primarily northbound from Capitol Avenue to Tully Road along Capitol Expressway, where the contractor is working on falsework for the deck structure above ground (note this is moving from location to location, starting north of Ocala going North and south of Cunningham going South) beginning around the end of October.  
     
  • A temporary BRT bus stop has been established north of the Ocala intersection. It will remain in service at this location through mid-2025. In early 2025, the southbound BRT Ocala station bus shelter will be removed and relocated to the west and will be ready for use in mid-2025.

 

Anticipated work from 10/11/24 through 10/28/24

***Construction activities and schedules can change at any time.

Day Work

  • Excavate and install drainage systems along the Capitol Expressway.
  • Hard surface removal, concrete pouring, form and pour curbs, and curing on Capitol Avenue. Portions of driveways will remain open for residents who live by active construction and for businesses at the Crossroad Shopping Center.
  • Various construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue are taking place, with minimal or no impacts on residents.
  • Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast piles, and driving piles are happening at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.
  • Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.
  • Falsework to build the bridge deck has begun. Work is conducted during the daytime and sometimes at night due to multiple traffic lane closures to safely move materials and build support structures.

Night Work

  • Night work is anticipated beginning October 27, at the median.

Saturday Work

  • Excavation and shoring work in the median.

 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

LATEST ACTIVITIES

  • Three Community Update Meetings occurred on Oct 5, 9, and 10. The first meeting was held at the Hank Lopez Community Center and facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. Subsequent meetings were held via Zoom; the first meeting was in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation, and the second was in Spanish with English interpretation.

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES

  • Lee Mathson Middle School Resource Fair (10/15)
  • Foxdale Fall Festival - Foxdale Village Apartments (10/25)
  • District 8 Fall Festival - Lake Cunningham Park (10/26)

OUTREACH FIELD OFFICE

  • Please remember that the Community Outreach Field Office is open Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and by appointment. The field office is at 1091 S. Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95127.

 

Moving Forward,

The Construction and Engagement Team

 

092724 Construction Activities Update, Southbound Ocala BRT Relocation, Community Meetings

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
September 27, 2024

Construction activities continue at various locations along the project. Pile driving activities are occurring north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue at various bridge column locations. This is followed by placing rebar and pouring foundation concrete. Several columns are already cast and are visible along the expressway. Bridge falsework activities are to follow soon at locations where columns are already built. 

A temporary BRT bus stop has been established north of the Ocala intersection. It will remain in service at this location for at least 8 months to allow underground work to be completed. Following that, in early November, the southbound BRT Ocala station will be dismantled to allow space in the middle for bridge construction. In spring 2025, the BRT station will be reassembled. All art components will be protected. 

Construction activities and schedules can change at any time. 

Anticipated work from 09/27/24 through 10/14/24
Day Work
•    Excavate and install drainage systems along Capitol Expressway.

•    Hard surface removal, concrete pouring, form and pour curbs, and curing on Capitol Avenue. Portions of driveways to remain open for residents who live by active construction and for the business at the Crossroad Shopping Center. 

•    Various construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue between Wilbur Avenue and Capitol Expressway with minimal or no impacts to residents. 

•    Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast pile and driving piles at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.

•    Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.

•    Falsework is planned begin in early October.  Work is conducted at daytime and sometimes at night due to multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and build support structures safely. 
Night Work

•    Night work at Tully intersection is anticipated for second week of October.  
Saturday Work

•    Grading work planned along Capitol Avenue area. Structure work in the median continues. 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Outreach Field Office is open Tuesdays 9am-12n, and Fridays 1-5pm, and by appointment. 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Three community meetings have been scheduled to provide the community an update on current construction activities and share what to expect going forward for the next several months. This is also an opportunity to hear from the community. 

•    Saturday, October 5, 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.  – in person at the Hank Lopez Community Center, facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters.
Eastridgetobart-Oct5-2024.eventbrite.com

•    Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M.  – Zoom meeting facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation. “
Eastridgetobart-Oct9-2024.eventbrite.com

•    Thursday, October 10, 6:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M.   – Zoom meeting facilitated in Spanish with English interpretation. 
Eastridgetobart-Oct10-2024.eventbrite.com

Moving Forward,
The Construction and Engagement Team
 

091624  Pile Driving, Rebar, Outreach

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
September 16, 2024

Dear All,

Pile driving continues at various locations along the Expressway. The contractor will pour concrete columns near Ocala Avenue this Saturday and next Thursday. The Ocala BRT stop will be temporarily relocated to construct a new drainage system. Roadway excavation along S. Capitol Avenue will continue next week

Anticipated work from 09/14/24 to 09/22/24


Day Work
•    Excavate and install drainage systems along Capitol Expressway.
•    Hard surface removal and concrete pouring on Capitol Avenue. Portions of driveways will remain open for residents who live by active construction. 
•    Various construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue between Wilbur Avenue and Capitol Expressway with minimal or no impacts to residents. 
•    Excavation, shoring, pile delivery, off-loading pre-cast pile and driving piles at various piers located on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.
•    Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue and south of Cunningham Avenue.
•    Falsework to build the bridge deck is anticipated to begin in the third week of September. Work will be done during day, and sometimes at night due to multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and build support structures safely. 


Night Work
•    No Night work is anticipated for next week Sunday, September 15, 2024 through Saturday, September 21, 2024.


Saturday Work
•    Shoring and Excavation on Capitol Expressway. 
•    Rebar work for columns.
•    Concrete pouring scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, day work only. 

Community Outreach 
School Engagement. Staff participated at Kimberly Smith Elementary’s Back to School Night on 09/11.


Field Office Warming. Saturday, September 21, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. 


Neighborhood Meeting for S. Capitol Ave residents. Tuesday, September 24, 6:00 P.M.


Construction Update Meeting. Saturday, October 5, 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.  – in person at the Hank Lopez Community Center, facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters.


Construction Update Meeting. Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M.  – Zoom meeting facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation. 


Construction Update Meeting. Thursday, October 10, 6:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M.   – Zoom meeting facilitated in Spanish with English interpretation. 

 

Moving Forward,
 

090624 Excavation, Rebar, and Community Meetings

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
September 6, 2024

Dear All,

Construction continues in the middle of Capitol Expressway, with large cranes in the median and large trucks either delivering piles or moving soil.  Other heavy equipment is positioned at different points across the project. 

There will be work on Saturdays for this period. Construction schedules may change at any time due to weather or other circumstances. 

Anticipated work from 09/07/24 to 09/15/24

Day Work
•    Excavate and install drainage systems along Capitol Expressway.
•    Concrete and pavement removal and other construction activities on Capitol. Avenue, southbound between
     Wilbur Avenue and Capitol  Expressway. 
•    Excavation, demolition, and other construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue between Excalibur Drive and Story Road. 
•    Pile driving, shoring, excavation, pile delivery, and off-loading pre-cast pile for various piers located on
     Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue.
•    Pour concrete footings and columns on Capitol Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue.
•    Pile driving, shoring, excavation, pile delivery, and off-loading pre-cast pile for various piers located
     on Capitol Expressway south of Cunningham Avenue. 
•    Falsework to build the bridge deck is anticipated to start on the third week of September, with day work first,
     and followed by some night work due to the need for multiple traffic lane closures to move materials and
     build support structures safely. 

Night Work
•    Overnight work anticipated to begin on the last week of September. 

Saturday Work
•    Shoring and Excavation on Capitol Expressway. 
•    Rebar work for columns.

Community Outreach 

•    The team is ready for the community outreach office warming! We hope to see you on Saturday,
      September 21, 2024, from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. This is planned as a small gathering. Hope to see you there! 

•    Please help us spread the news about our upcoming community meetings:

                Saturday, October 5 – in person at the Hank Lopez Community Center.
                This meeting will be facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters.

                Wednesday, October 9 – Zoom meeting facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation. 

                Thursday, October 10 – Zoom meeting facilitated in Spanish with English interpretation. 

Moving Forward,

The Construction and Engagement Team

083024 Open driveway signs, water trucks, and Engagement

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
August 30, 2024

Dear All,

Most families are busy driving or walking their kids to school, now that school is back in session. That means more pedestrian and motorist activities on streets and roads. Shoring and pile driving are happening at the median on Capitol Expressway between Ocala Avenue and Story Road, and farther south near Tully Road, and we continue asking the public to slow down and follow the 35mph speed limit. 

Along the northern part of the project, excavation, and drainage work is taking place on and around Capitol Avenue, Excalibur Drive and South Capitol Avenue. Contractor is preparing for false work installation, which will begin in a few weeks. False work will require lane closures, detours, and modifications to traffic. We thank our bus drivers and riders in advance for their patience as lane closures and bus route operations may impact their transportation schedules.  

Please remember that construction crews will not work on Monday, September 2nd due to Labor Day. 

Anticipated work from 08/30/24 to 09/08/24
Day Work 

  • Excavate and Install drainage systems along Capitol Expressway. 
  • Concrete and pavement removal and other construction activities on Capitol Avenue (Southbound).
  • between Wilbur Avenue and Capitol Expressway.
  • Excavation, demolition, and other construction activities on S. Capitol Avenue between Excalibur. 
  • Drive and Story Road. 
  • Pile driving, pile delivery and off-loading of pre-cast pile for various piers located on Capitol. 
  • Expressway, north of Ocala Avenue.
  • Pour concrete footings and columns.
  • Pile driving at pier 59, located on Capitol Expressway south of Cunnigham Avenue.
  • False Work anticipated to start on September 18, 2024, with day and overnight work. 

Night Work 

  • Not anticipated for this period.

Saturday

  • 09/07 Miscellaneous drainage work at various locations. 
  • 09/07 Shoring and Excavation on Capitol Expressway south of Cunnigham Avenue.

Community Outreach

  • We are in a contact with a handful of homeowners/residents who have expressed concerns about noise and vibration. We anticipated for this to happen and are working diligently to respond in a timely manner. 
  • Now that the 2024/2025 school year has started in most districts, community outreach staff members are engaging with schools and school districts.  The events we are confirming with the school districts provide us the opportunities to further engage with parents, students, and faculty.
  • Save The Date!  The community outreach office warming will be held on September 21, 2024, from 11 am to 1 pm.  Next week we will forward a copy of the formal invitation.

We hope to see you at one of our community meetings:

  • Saturday, October 5 – In person. Hank Lopez Community Center.

         Facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. 

  • Wednesday, October 9 - ZOOM facilitated in English with Spanish 

         and Vietnamese interpretation.

  • Thursday, October 10 - ZOOM facilitated in Spanish with 

         English interpretation.

Moving Forward, 

The Construction and Engagement Team

081624 Pile Driving, Shoring, and Flyers

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
August 16, 2024
 

Happy Friday! 

This last week, when motorists drove southbound on Capitol Expressway between Story Road and Tully Road, they most likely saw, heard, and felt the noise and vibration from pile driving and sheet pile installation. The residents in the streets adjacent to the construction zone were informed timely of the activities, and VTA and MCM’s teams were responding to their immediate concerns.

Fortunately, we have completed one week of this important part of the project. Hats off to the construction crews who are at the forefront of building the light rail extension! 

Anticipated work from 08/17/24 to 08/25/24

Day Work 
•    Install drainage systems at the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Excalibur Drive. 
•    Potholing, excavating, paving, striping, K-Rail and pedestrian ramps installation on southbound Capitol Avenue
     between Wilbur Avenue and Capitol Expressway.
•    Install new fiber-optics conduit, street lighting conduit and traffic signals conduit on northbound Capitol Expressway near Tully Road. 
•    Install shoring and excavation for piers 36, 37, 38, and 39 located on Capitol Expressway between Story Road and Ocala Avenue.
•    Pile driving, pile delivery and off-loading of pre-cast pile for pier 42 and 41 located on Capitol Expressway north of Ocala Avenue
•    Install shoring and excavation for pier 59 and begin pile driving at pier 59 located on Capitol Expressway south of Cunnigham Avenue.

Night Work 
•    Not anticipated for this period.

Community Outreach

  • We participated in Viva Parks at Hillview Park by Ocala Avenue, and held our monthly, online stakeholder working group meeting.
  • SAVE THE DATE for our October 2024 community meetings, as follows:
  • Saturday, October 5 – In person. Facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. Location TBD. 
  • Wednesday, October 9 - ZOOM facilitated in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation.
  • Thursday, October 10 - ZOOM facilitated in Spanish with English interpretation.
  • Help us spread out this message: The current speed limit on Capitol Expressway between Excalibur Drive and Quimby Road is 35 miles per hour. This is for the safety of construction workers, pedestrians, cyclists, and the public in general. 

Moving Forward, 

The EBRC Construction & Engagement Team

080124 Pile driving is set for August
Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
August 1, 2024

 

Pile driving is set for August. Residents and motorists in East San Jose will see pile driving activities during the day, and heavy equipment mobilization at night, as needed. Pile driving will continue for several months across the construction zone, except for areas north of Story Road along Capitol Expressway towards Capitol Avenue, and south of Tully Road where other construction activities will take place. During this work, driveways will remain open.

The following are a few facts about pile driving to remember:

  • Pile driving is only conducted during the day
  • Pile driving activities in one location may last 4-5 days
  • We are monitoring sound and vibration levels
  • Night work for equipment mobilization and pile delivery
  • We are providing timely updates to all stakeholders

Anticipated work from 08/01/24 to 08/10/24

Day work

  • Pile driving anticipated to begin the week of August 12th on Capitol Expressway between Story Road and Ocala Avenue
  • The second location for pile driving south of Cunningham Avenue is anticipated to begin on August 16th
  • Temporary road striping on Capitol Avenue
  • K-Rail and pedestrian ramps installation on the west side of Capitol Avenue
  • Remove portions of the median and islands on Capitol Avenue, in the northern part of the project
  • Excavation and new sidewalk construction near Ocala BRT Station
  • Remove pavement areas on Capitol Expressway between Ocala Ave and Tully Road, northbound and southbound.
  • Installing temporary ramps for bikes at various locations
  • Installing shoring for foundation excavations between Ocala Avenue and Story Road will begin on Monday, August 5th

Night Work

  • Equipment mobilization is anticipated for this period.

Saturday Work

  • Construction crews may work on Saturdays for this period.
     

Community Outreach

We will deliver Construction Notices (flyers) the week of August 5. Please let us know if we can send you flyers electronically or deliver hard copies and, if so, how many.

National Night Out on August 6 - VTA Community Outreach is participating in the Mayfair/Plata Arroyo, Mt. Pleasant, and Foxdale neighborhood association events.

We will have community meetings in October 2024, as follows:

  • Saturday, October 5 – In person, location TBD.
  • Wednesday, October 9 - ZOOM English with interpreters
  • Thursday, October 10 - ZOOM in Spanish

Moving Forward,

The EBRC Construction & Engagement Team

071924 Community Outreach Trailer Has Arrived

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
July 19, 2024

To All,

The City of San Jose resurfacing project will have intermittent traffic control in the coming weeks on Story Road, Ocala Avenue, and Capitol Expressway. City DOT Outreach recently posted about the maintenance work and will be distributing flyers to residents whose streets are on the list for corrective maintenance. )

Anticipated work from 07/19 to 08/01

  • - Drainage work is scheduled on Capitol Avenue, in the northern part of the project.
  • - Tree removal in the northern part of the project.
  • - Remove portions of the median and islands on Capitol Avenue, in the northern part of the project.
  • Day Work Remove pavement areas on Capitol Expressway between Ocala Ave and Tully Road, northbound and southbound.
  • Temporary ramps for pedestrians and bikes at various locations.

Good News

  • On Capitol Expressway and Cunningham Avenue, two pedestrians push buttons   damaged by a car have been repaired.
  • On Capitol Expressway and Quimby Road, a loose pedestrian push button has been repaired by the Project.

Community Outreach

The Community Outreach trailer arrived at 1093 S. Capitol on Monday, July 15, 2024. Residents neighboring the property received advanced notice on July 12, regarding early morning activities.

There is work to do to make the trailer office functional. We anticipate moving in mid-August and be open to the public soon after. Please join us for a neighborly gathering on 9/21/2024, at 11:00am-1:00pm. We’ll be sending you photos soon!


Looking ahead, VTA Outreach is participating with Mayfair/Plata Arroyo, Mt. Pleasant, and Foxdale neighborhood associations on National Night Out, August 6. Later this summer we plan to participate in Viva Parks events at Sylvia Cassel Park 8/29, and Mayfair Park on 9/26. A new set of community meetings to provide construction updates will occur in October (Exact dates and locations TBD).
 

Moving Forward,

The EBRC Construction & Engagement Team

062424 Test Pile Driving and Sidewalk Removal

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
June 24, 2024
 

​​​​​​Last week, construction crews for the EBRC project conducted preparations for test pile driving in the median at Capitol Expressway, near Ocala Avenue. This is in the South part of the project. Sound barriers have been installed on both sides of the road. Test pile driving and other activities will continue this week. We continue monitoring and mitigating the potential effects of noise, vibration, and dust.

Other teams are working at the north side of the project, demolishing areas east of S. Capitol Ave between Story Rd. and Excalibur Dr. to ultimately widen Capitol Expressway as per the project’s scope of work.

Anticipated work for the week of 06/24/24

  • TEST pile driving during the day and mobilization of a second crane during the night.
  • Utility potholing and drainage work.
  • Remove existing fiber optics systems and street lighting.
  • Remove concrete sidewalks and curbs during the day and continue to install sound barriers on the northbound Expressway toward Sussex Ave at night.
  • Place temporary ramps for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Other construction activities.

Upcoming Community Meetings

  •  A community meeting for the Foxdale Neighborhood Association took place on Tuesday, June 18th, in English and Spanish. VTA’s resident engineer and community relations officer provided an update on construction activities.
  • A house meeting requested by homeowners on Dover Way, in the northeastern side of the project is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th. Dover Way is in the northeastern part of the project. Homeowners indicated to be concerned about vibration. VTA’s project manager and CRO plan to attend and explain that this side of the project will not experience pile driving but Cast-In-Drilled-Hole Piles, which minimizes vibration.
  • A community meeting for the Welsch Park Community Neighborhood Association is scheduled for Monday, July 1, 2024.
061724 Crane Mobilization, Speed Limit Enforcement, and Home Inspections

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
June 17, 2024

Construction for the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector is in full swing, with K-Rail (concrete barriers) in place to separate traffic from the construction area, roadway demolition, heavy equipment mobilization, drilling, and other preparations for test-pile- driving, as well as the fabrication and installation of temporary sound walls.  

Crews have been working during the day, with occasional night work. While most activities are in the southern part of the project, a crew is working on the opposite side on S. Capitol Avenue -north of Story Rd., and they will continue working this week.  

Home inspections were conducted last week for those who signed a Permission to Enter (PTE). Most homeowners were present, and we brought in a language interpreter for Vietnamese in addition to our bilingual team interpreting for Spanish.  

Anticipated work for the week of 06/17/24

  • Utility potholing and drainage work.  
  • Installation of temporary noise barriers.  
  • Demolition of curbs/gutters, sidewalk, asphalt, fencing.  
  • TEST pile driving is scheduled for June 20-21, during the day. 
  • Day work is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., night work is from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 
  • The speed limit is 35 mph throughout the Construction Zone and SJPD officers are enforcing this mandate.  

Community Outreach 

  • Working in partnership, VTA’s community outreach and contractor staff created and delivered 225 Construction Notices to homes on both sides of the Capitol Expressway.  
  • We estimate 400 to 500 people were in attendance at the Groundbreaking Resource event. Our sincere appreciation to all of you who participated!  
  • A community meeting for the Foxdale Neighborhood Association is scheduled for June 18, in English and Spanish.  
060724 Sound Barriers and Construction Notices

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
June 07, 2024

This past week, construction activities increased, with the installation of temporary sound walls, K-Rail installation in the last stretches of the work zone, and remaining utility and potholing work, in preparation for pile driving tests and other construction work. Potential impacts to residents include noise, vibration, and traffic congestion. 

Anticipated work for the week of 06/10/24 

  • Crane and pile hammer to be mobilized at night; scheduled for June 10-12. 
  • Temporary sound wall fabrication and installation on S Capitol Ave.  
  • K-Rail installment in the median along Capitol Expressway, Southbound, ongoing until completion.  
  • Day work is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and night work is from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 
  • The speed limit is 35 mph throughout the Construction Zone. 

Community Outreach 

Construction notices were delivered in person to homes in the area.  The Groundbreaking Ceremony and Resource Fair will be on June 8, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Eastridge Transit Center.  

053124 Utility Work and Preparing for Test Pile Driving

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
May 31, 2024

​​​​​The next couple of weeks will involve pile driving tests and the installation of sound walls along the construction zone, among other activities currently underway. Modifications to traffic have gone without difficulty.

Pile Driving Tests  

Drilling, pile driving tests, and related activities are set for early June, with work during the day and night, as allowed.     

Sound Walls 

Beginning on June 3 and through June 14, temporary sound walls will be installed between Ocala Ave. and Story Rd., where there is a mix of homes, an apartment complex, and a gas station. Construction crews will continue Northbound between Story Rd. and Capitol Ave.  

Utility Work 

Pothole digging in several locations for utility work was conducted this past week.  

Speed Limit & SAFETY 

The Contractor informed VTA that drivers are not respecting the 35mph speed limit, jeopardizing the safety of workers, pedestrians, and other drivers. The construction team is considering the presence of the San Jose Police Department or the Santa Clara County Sheriff, and possibly fining motorists who exceed the allowed speed limit. 
 
In California, fines for speeding in construction zones can range from $350 to $1,000 and can be doubledoubledipled. These penalties apply to all roads where there is a construction zone, including state routes/highways, local roads, and streets where construction work is ongoing.  

The safety of construction workers, pedestrians, and the public in general is of utmost importance. Please help us spread the word on the importance of respecting the 35mph speed limit. If you have contacts or ideas to promote Safety in this matter, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  

Anticipated work for the week of 06/01/24: 

  1. Drilling in key locations is scheduled for June 3-7.  
  2. Crane and pile hammer to be mobilized at night; scheduled for June 10-12. 
  3. K-Rail installment in the median along Capitol Expressway, Northbound from Story Rd towards Capitol Ave, and Southbound afterward, ongoing until completion.  
  4. A cultural monitor is confirmed to work this week. 

***The construction schedule is subject to changes. *** 

Community Outreach 

Everything is looking great for the Groundbreaking Ceremony and Resource Fair to be held on June 8, 2024.

Elected officials who have been strong supporters of this project as well as community leaders and residents have confirmed attendance.

050224 K-Rail, Restriping, and Multilingual Community Meetings 
Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
May 02, 2024

Notice to Proceed was issued on 04/25/24. 
Tree removal started on 05/06/24. The trees were labeled for removal two weeks in advance to give the public time to make comments. VTA and contractors continued working with businesses adjacent to the construction zone, and bird nesting surveys took place before tree removal.  
Traffic Control Plans were reviewed and approved by the design team and the City of San Jose. 
Two Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) were placed on Capitol Expressway, in English and Spanish. Portable Changeable Message Signs were placed on I-680.
Anticipated activities beginning the week of 05/06/24: 
  • Planning for traffic shift and removal of one lane in each direction from Ocala-Quimby. The PCMS boards will be updated. The shift is scheduled for the week of 5/13. 
  • Restriping traffic lanes at night in 2-3 weeks 
  • Install concrete barriers in the median after the traffic shift 
  • Demolition and underground civil construction expected after concrete barriers are installed
Community Outreach:
  • VTA hosted Community Meetings scheduled: May 8th and 9th online, and 11th in person. Links are provided at the end of this message. 
  • Groundbreaking Celebration and Community Resource Fair will be held on June 8, 2024, 10 am-12 noon at the Eastridge Transit Center. Save the Date!  
  • VTA and Contractor both have a Community Relations Officer (CRO) dedicated to work on the EBRC project.  
  • Construction notices, newsletters, and community meeting posters and flyers have been mailed to all records located a ½ mile around the project area. This includes residents, businesses, and absentee property owners and reaches approximately 14,000 records. 
  • Outreach staff to continue meeting with residents, businesses, and community organizations.  
  • A robust social media campaign to bring more awareness to the project and advertise next week’s community meetings launched earlier this week. 
  • Outreach tabled the Cinco de Mayo celebration at Emma Prusch Park on Sunday.  
Community Meeting Dates/links:
051524 Traffic Shift and Community Outreach

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
May 15, 2024

Construction, currently underway on Capitol Expressway in East San Jose:  

Traffic Shift 

One-lane closure in each direction began on Wednesday, May 15th, between Quimby Rd. and Tully Rd., with construction crews moving northbound to Story Rd. Except for peak hours, traffic was normal. 

Field Office and Outreach Office 

VTA continues finalizing details for our field office and outreach office to be installed as soon as possible.  

Permission To Enter 

Door-to-door home visits, for houses located close to the project to obtain their permission to enter, for upcoming inspections. Interpreters will join surveyors to facilitate communication with non-English speaking homeowners and/or tenants. 

Anticipated activities beginning the week of 05/20/24 

  • Traffic Shift to continue northbound to Capitol Avenue, and turn southbound to Story Rd., Ocala Ave., Tully Rd, and Quimby Road.  
  • K-Rail is to be installed on the northbound Capitol Expressway near Tully Rd on Saturday, 05/18. 
  • K-Rail is to continue to be installed along the northbound and southbound Capitol Expressway in the median from Tully Road to Capitol Avenue Monday – Friday. 
  • The speed limit is 35mph. for the safety of the construction crew, and the safety of others.  
Community Outreach 
  • Councilmembers Ortiz and Candelas invite VTA to a city-hosted public meeting at Most Holy Trinity Church to provide an update on the EBRC project on 05/15/24.  
  • A community meeting is scheduled for 05/21/24 at Montevista Apartments, located by the Alum Rock station.  
  • Groundbreaking Ceremony to be held on June 8, 2024.  
  • VTA’s and contractors continue to meet with residents, businesses, and community organizations.  

*The construction schedule is subject to changes.*

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051424 Portable Changeable Message Signs PCMS

Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector
Weekly Construction Update
May 14, 2024

The project is on schedule to move forward with the traffic shift. In addition to the mailed construction notice, a series of community meetings, and door-door to businesses along the corridor, and advanced notification signage, a stakeholder email was sent to all project subscribers.   

Traffic shift that will reduce one lane in each direction is scheduled to start Wednesday, May 15, on Capitol Expressway, north and southbound, between Quimby Road and Tully Road first and similarly moving north towards other blocks such as Tully to Ocala, Ocala to Story and Story to Capitol Avenue in the next several weeks. This will commence at the beginning of the reduced speed limit to 35mph. Advance signage has been in place. PCMS boards were updated on May 6 advising of this upcoming change. 

Two Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) on Capitol Expressway are updated to reflect the traffic shifts. One is moved farther south between Quimby and Newman to advise motorists heading north on Cap. E. 

Anticipated activities beginning the week of 05/13/24 
  • Planning for traffic shift and removal of one lane in each direction from Quimby to Capitol Avenue. The PCMS boards have been updated. Traffic shifts begin 5/15. 
  • Grind and stripe traffic lanes during the day for the next 2 weeks (formerly scheduled for overnight activity) 
  • Install concrete barriers in the median after the traffic shift
  • K-rail (Quimby to Tully) is scheduled for installation Friday/Saturday

Moving Forward,


The EBRC Construction & Engagement Team

Community Outreach

Outreach to the Community is delivered in many ways, from email, web page posting like this, signage, tabling at events, presenting at your neighborhood association, home visits for specific purposes, and by mail notifications, to name a few. We use multiple approaches to ensure the community is informed and allow for authentic engagement.

In case you missed the October 2024 in-person and virtual meetings you can watch the recordings below. The meetings provided an update on current construction activities and shared what to expect going forward for the next several months:

EBRC, 10/9/2024 Virtual Meeting

EBRC, 10/10/2024 Virtual Public Meeting (SPANISH)

Construction Notices

May 2024 - Construction Notice. This provides an overview of all activities that will begin in May 2024.

June 3-28, 2024 Construction Notice. K-Rail, demolition, mobilizing equipment, drilling and pile testing, and fabricating temporary sound walls. Night: Install temporary sound walls. 

June 17-July 8, 2024 Construction Notice. Utility potholing, drainage, install temporary
noise barriers. mobilize heavy equipment.

June 20-July 29, 2024 Construction Notice. Pile Driving. utility installation. drainage, demolition.

Project Events & Community Meetings

Learn where VTA staff are sharing project information and invite us to table at your next event!

9/11/24: Back to School! Katherine Smith Elementary School, 4:30pm

9/19/24: Alum Rock Unified School District Back to School and Resource Fair! San Antonio Elementary School, 5pm​​​​​

9/21/24: Join us for the house warming/open house of the EBRC Community Outreach Office, 1093. S. Capitol Avenue, 11am-1pm.

9/25/24: Back to School! Aptitud Community Academy at Goss, 5pm

10/2/24: Viva Escuela, Katherine Smith Elementary, 6am (yes, AM!)

10/5/24: VTA hosted Community Meeting, 10am, Hank Lopez Community Center

10/5/24: Health Fair/Binational Health Week, 9am, Eastridge Mall

10/9/24: VTA hosted Community Meeting via Zoom, 6pm

10/10/24: VTA hosted Community Meeting via Zoom, 6pm (facilitated in Spanish)

10/25/24: Foxdale Neighborhood Fall Festival

10/26/24: District 8 Family Fun Fall Festival/Cunningham Park

11/6/24: Coffee with the Principal - Katherine Smith Elementary School

12/13/24: Holiday Open House and Community Appreciation - EBRC Community Outreach Office, 1093. S. Capitol Avenue, 4-7pm

Previous Meetings Videos

Links below are the recordings of virtual community meetings:

EBRC 10.10.2024 Public Meeting
EBRC, 10/10/2024 Virtual Public Meeting (SPANISH)
EBRC 10.9.2024 Public Meeting
EBRC, 10/9/2024 Virtual Public Meeting

 

Project Newsletters

EBRC-Summer 2024
This issue covers project updates to recent and current activities, and upcoming community events. Happy Summer Reading!

EBRC-Spring 2024
This issue covers project updates to recent and current activities, funding, project schedules, community events happening later this spring, project benefits, and more.

EBRC-Summer 2022
In addition to project updates, this newsletter provides information on the project benefits and an introduction to the station art enhancement activities that begin this fall. Let's dive in!

EBRC-Summer 2021 & Notice of Utility Relocation
To say that 2020 and 2021 have been challenging is an understatement. Even though we at VTA have had to adjust to to the way we work, the planning work on Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Project continued. Let's catch up!

Station Art Enhancement

Did You Miss the Station Art Concept Meetings - August 31, AND September 13?

VTA has provided opportunities for community review of proposed light rail station art concepts. The designs the artists presented were inspired and influenced by community input shared in January’s Meet the Artists meetings and coupled with the artists’ research.

Eastridge Station
Our first meeting, held on August 31 revealed the design for Eastridge Station. Artists Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan presented Radiance, an abstract sculpture inspired by East San Jose’s community celebrations, agricultural history, natural environment, and quality of light.

Radiance is a metaphoric graft of aspects of the Eastridge Station’s surrounding community and nature in which its diverse cultures and landscapes come together to form a radiant whole. The sculpture forms a portal to be walked through. It is intended to be located so it will greet residents and visitors from many vantage points at the nexus of the future light rail station, bus terminals, Park & Ride, and pedestrian trails.

The sculpture changes in appearance as people move around and through it. When viewed from the front, its lower arbor pipes form a subtle heart shape. Viewed diagonally, they form a moon-like ellipse. Viewed from the side, the vertical arbor pipes with the matrix on top suggest a grove of trees. Standing beneath the sculpture will be like looking up into a tree canopy of fruit and flowers. Walking through the sculpture is intended to be a small moment of magic.

Story Road Station
Building on the momentum and spirit of weaving in community engagement and historical research, artist Amir Fallah presented his design concept for Story Road Station, Interwoven on September 13.

Interwoven was inspired by San José’s diverse patchwork of people, cultures, and landscapes. The concept transforms the three elevator towers, and pedestrian overcrossing, into a feature gateway over Capitol Expressway. Collaborating with the architects, the original metal panels design has been reimagined in a custom blueberry color palette, designed to visually connect the three towers. Standing proud of the tower cladding are sixteen glass light boxes of various sizes. The light boxes are strategically placed to be seen from every vantage point, including the roadway, sidewalks, stairs, lightrail platform, and from the train itself. The vibrant and colorful images, lit from within, will have an identity both day and night.

Interwoven features a complex array of images that portray the intersection of landscapes and cultures that is San José. The lightbox element of the artwork includes pictures and patterning from the cultures making up the tapestry of San José, including indigenous, Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, and Persian. Throughout the artwork geometric designs refer to the larger theme of interconnectivity and community. A redwood tree refers to the nearby forests, a hand holding a mirror reflects a Mexican desert landscape, a detailed geometric motif commonly seen in East Asian artwork is placed alongside a traditional Mexican textile pattern. Driving south on Capitol Expressway a dreamed panoramic image, split in two, continues from the east elevator tower to the western tower.

Contributing an additional dimension to the work, Mr. Fallah will be commissioning four San José poets, several from east San José, to contribute lines of poetry that will be a central component of the artwork. They will be prompted to respond to themes of travel, journey, voyage, and wandering. From the submissions, Mr. Fallah will select text as part of the artwork.

Each of the recorded meetings and copy of the presentation are linked below for your review. 

You have one more opportunity to see the artists presentations

The City of San Jose Public Art Committee will receive similar presentations from the artists when they meet on October 3, 2023 at 5:30pm. Both stations will be reviewed. The San Jose Art Commission meetings are open to the public. Refer directly to the Public Art Committee website for meeting agenda and other information.

Download the Station Art Concept presentations:

Eastridge Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Presentation 8-31-23 – English

Eastridge Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Presentation 8-31-23 – Spanish

Story Road Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Presentation 9-13-23-English

Story Road Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Presentation 9-13-23-Spanish

Or watch the recorded meetings located on SCVTA YouTube:

Eastridge Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Recording 8-31-23-English

Eastridge Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Recording 8-31-23-Spanish

Story Road Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Recording 9-13-23-English

Story Road Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting Recording 9-13-23-Spanish

Previously

Meet the Artists!

We have been very excited to introduce the community to the artists selected to enhance the new light rail stations planned for Story Road and Eastridge. Through a rigorous process of artist outreach and selection, Amir Fallah, and the team of Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan, have been commissioned. These artists are all experienced public artists. Their work extends beyond their studios and responds to site and community. They also have track records for sizable, successfully maintainable, permanent public artworks.

The Station Art Enhancement Community Meetings held on January 9 and January 11 (facilitated in Spanish) were the “kick-off” for the artists’ design process, in advance of them doing any design work. The purpose of the meetings were for the community to become acquainted with the artists, and to get a sense of their visual vocabulary and their approach to public art. Each artists presented examples of previous public art installations, and their approach to the designs and mediums used. These meetings were also meant to provide foundational inspiration for the artists’ work, here, in San Jose.

Through an on-line activity, participants responded to four questions:

1. Which neighborhood are you connected to? What is important for us to know about it?

2. Think about a place that is special to you in San Jose. Describe the spot and why you chose it?

3. Please provide three words describing what is important to you personally, or which symbolize your community?

4. What is one of your favorite public artworks in San Jose (or anywhere)? Why?

The meetings provided an opportunity for the artists to learn about the community. It was not surprising that participants represented a wide variety of East San Jose neighborhoods! When asked about a place that is special in San Jose, we heard about the foothills, the greenery, the views, and about the Mexican Heritage Plaza, Alum Rock Park, Eastridge Mall, Marks Hotdogs, Emma Prusch Farm, and the list goes on.

Through the responses to the four questions, the artists gained a good sense of the community. The responses articulated the richness and diversity of East San Jose. It helped the artists get to know you.

In case you missed it, the meetings were recorded. Due to a technical glitch, the meeting on January 9 had to be re-recorded. Instead of watching the activity, we share how it went. The meeting on January 11 went off without any glitches and the recording, in Spanish, has the same artists presentation, and you can watch how the activity was facilitated. Links to the recorded meetings are available on YouTube:

EBRC Station Art Enhancement 1-9-2023

EBRC Majora artistica la estacion 1-11-2023

January 9, 2023 - presentation slides and script

January 11, 2023 - presentation slides and script (Spanish)

If you attended, or missed it, but had a thought to any of the questions asked that we should include, go ahead and send that to community.outreach@vta.org, and we will pass that along to the art team.

Later this spring, we will host the next meeting to update and share the concepts each of the artists’ have for the new stations!

Stakeholder Working Group

A Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) has been created. The Eastridge nominated each SWG member to BART Regional Connector Policy Advisory Board to represent the unique constituencies that live, work, and play along the project alignment. Their role is to disseminate information to the stakeholders near the project area and to give feedback to the project team. The members are listed below.

Stakeholder Working Group 2024 Meeting Dates:

March 28, 6:30 pm -  A recording of this evening's meeting is provided below.

May 23, 6:30 pm Stakeholder Working Group Meeting - I've shared a recording of this evening's meeting below.

August 15, 6:30 pm Stakeholder Working Group Meeting - I've shared a recording of this evening's meeting below.

​​​​​​​​​​November 21, 6:30 pm Stakeholder Working Group Meeting

Stakeholder Working Group Presentations and Recordings of Meetings

In case you missed the SWG Committee meeting, you can select the following links for meeting presentations and video recordings that are direct links to the YouTube recordings.

08/15/2024  - EBRC-SWG shared construction updates, and heard from SWG members regarding any construction questions and concerns. 

05/23/2024  - EBRC-SWG meeting today shared news of the construction updates, and heard from SWG members how drivers and communities are adjusting during active construction and lane closures. 

03/28/2024 - EBRC-SWG meeting today shared news of the construction contract award. The SWG discussed near-term community outreach and construction activities. To see/hear the recording, select March 28, EBRC-SWG Meeting.

08/24/2023 - EBRC-SWG meeting today provided project updates and discussed upcoming station art enhancement meetings. In the project update, we shared elements of the contract that encourage small business enterprises to bid on the project and project labor agreement requirements. To see/hear the recording, you can just select the August 2023 EBRC-SWG Meeting.

03/25/2023 - EBRC-SWG meeting today provided project updates to funding (fully funded!), schedule, current outreach activities, and update to current utility relocation activities. To see/hear the recording, please select May 2023 EBRC-SWG Meeting.

08/25/2022 - EBRC-SWG meeting today provided a review of the previous two years of topical review, community outreach update, current project updates, including utility relocation activities. To see the recording, please select August 2022 EBRC-SWG Meeting. 

2/24/2022 - EBRC-SWG Meeting today provided project updates, including current utility relocation activities. The discussion about noise and vibration, that was introduced last quarter, continued with a focus on vibration monitoring and the process for monitor and property inspections. To see the recording, please select February 2022 EBRC-SWG Meeting. 

11/18/2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting provides an update active utility relocation, Community Outreach report, and further discussion on how the project team will be monitoring and mitigating vibration impacts from future construction activities. 
November 2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube
​​​
8/26/2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting includes Station Art Enhancement Program presentation, and introduction to construction noise and vibration assessment and mitigation.
August 2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube

6/24/2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting includes detailed presentation on utility relocation.

June 2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube

2/25/2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting includes detailed presentation on bridge construction, and traffic. 
February 2021 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube

11/19/2020 EBRC-SWG Meeting includes presentations on the future technology (light rail) and the history leading to the elimination of a station at Ocala in 2014.
November 2020 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube

8/27/2020 EBRC-SWG Meeting Orientation and project description.
August 2020 EBRC-SWG Meeting SCVTA/YouTube

Reference Materials

PG&E Greenbook: Provides information about trees clearance under and around transmission lines.

SWG Members

Laura Arechiga, Welch Park Neighborhood Association, District 8
Ernesto Barajas, Cassel Neighborhood Association, District 5
Huascar Castro, Working Partnerships
Craig Ferguson, Thompson Creek Neighborhood Association, District 8
Sandy Flores, Capitol Park Goss Dobern Neighborhood Association, District 5
Julies Nunes, Lyndale Neighborhood Association, District 5
John Peterson, Eastridge Mall

Environmental Documents

VTA has prepared the 2021 Third Addendum to the Final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Final SEIR-2) for the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Project.   

The Third Addendum evaluates the removal of an additional 60 – 70 trees along the east side of Capitol Expressway between Ocala Avenue and Quimby Road. The removal of additional trees is a result of new information, received from PG&E, that trees above a certain height under high voltage electric lines are required to be cleared for public safety reasons and to provide access to the lines for maintenance and repairs.

All trees removed by the Project will be replaced at ratios determined by their size and replacement species (i.e., native versus non-native). In the Second Addendum to the Final SEIR-2 approved in February 2020, the VTA Board approved the payment of in-lieu fees to replace trees within two miles of the project corridor to the maximum extent practicable given the limited right-of-way available for tree replacement within the project limits. According to a tree inventory conducted by a certified arborist, the Project will be required to provide an additional 67 – 128 replacement trees depending on the replacement species (i.e., native versus non-native).

On February 18, 2021, the Congestion Management Program and Planning Committee (CMPP) will make a recommendation to VTA's Board of Directors regarding the adoption of the Third Addendum and approval of the proposed change to the Project.

On March 4, 2021, VTA's Board of Directors will consider adoption of the Third Addendum and approval of the proposed change to the Project. 

If you have any written comments on the adoption of the Third Addendum and the approval of the change to the Project, it is requested that you submit them as soon as possible but no later than 12:00 pm on February 17, 2021, for the CMPP meeting, and no later than 12:00 pm on March 4, 2021, for the Board meeting.

Verbal comments may also be provided at both meetings via Zoom. The agenda and zoom link are available: Congestion Management Program and Planning Committee Page

Written comments can be submitted via the following methods:

Mail: Christina Jaworski, Senior Environmental Planner Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Environmental Programs 3331 North First Street, Building B-2 San José, CA 95134-1927

Email: Christina.Jaworski@vta.org

If you have any questions about the Third Addendum,  contact Christina Jaworski, Senior Environmental Planner, at Christina.Jaworski@vta.org.

Previous Environmental Documents

Addendum to Environmental Documents

2019 Final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report

2018 Draft Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report

2014 Final Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration

2012 Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement 

2012 Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report

2009-2011 Misc. Environmental Document

2010 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Categorical Exclusion)

2007 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report

2005 Final Environmental Impact Report

Utility Construction Notices

Utility and project construction notices will be posted here, as well as under 'Notices' on the right margin. Check here for a quick search for a notice, and the area it pertains to. The latest notices will be on top. Often there is work on the corridor that isn't related to this project, and we can try to help identify if it is not project-related. Utility owners will also provide notices to residents and businesses located within 300' of the work area. Any potential interruptions in service will be noticed by the respective utility owner.

1/13/2024 - 1/14/2024: Overnight construction activities for utility relocation. Crown Castle will work to activate new fiber lines along Capital Expressway, S. Capitol Avenue, and Highwood Drive.

12/12/2023 - 12/29/2023: Ongoing night & day construction activities for utility relocation. Comcast contractor Fibertel will work to activate new fiber lines along E. Capitol Expressway, Story Road, S. Capitol Avenue, and Westboro Drive.  

11/16/2023 & 11/30/2023: Utility relocations work along E. Capitol Expy and S. Capitol Ave: Fiber Company Crown Castle will be working overnight to early morning to install a new fiber line and remove the traffic pole at the intersection of E. Capitol Expy and S. Capitol Ave.

2/16/2023: Utility relocations work along S. Capitol Avenue at Crossroads Shopping Center: PG&E and its contractor, (Underground Construction), AT&T, and Comcast will continue the next phase of utility relocations along S. Capitol Avenue, and the landscaped area of the Crossroads Shopping Center located at 459 and 461 S. Capitol Avenue. Workers will be performing construction to install underground utilities.

10/12/2022: Ongoing Construction Activities for Utility Relocation: PG&E, and their contractor, Underground Construction, will begin the next phase of underground utility relocation of gas and electric services. Additional utility owners that share the same areas, AT&T, Comcast, and Crown Castle will coordinate their activities in the same area. Most of the work is occurring on Capitol Expressway and Capitol Avenue. This phase will continue through mid-2023.

7/25/2022: San Jose Water Utility Relocation: Weather and conditions pending, restoration/paving activities could occur through the end of August. Restoration includes paving in multiple areas, including S. Capitol Avenue near the Crossroads Shopping Center, and Highwood Drive. Restoration/Paving will also occur along S. Capitol Avenue @ Bambi Lane, Capitol Expressway @ Kollmar Dr., and Story Road. For additional details, please select San Jose Water Utility Relocation Update.

7/1/2022: West Valley Construction continues to work to connect the new water service to the new fire suppression equipment at Crossroads Shopping Center located at 459 S. Capitol Avenue. San Jose Water Company and its contractor, Pacific Underground Construction (PUC), will also continue work on the underground water line along Capitol Avenue and relocate the fire hydrant on the sidewalk. The existing sidewalk and roadway next to the Crossroads Shopping Center will be restored after the water line work is completed in the area. Download a PDF copy of the notice.

6/21/2022: San Jose Water Utility Relocation: Capitol Avenue/ Crossroads Shopping Center -  Weather and conditions permitting, San Jose Water Company, and their contractor, Pacific Underground Construction (PUC), will continue relocating and installing new underground water lines along Capitol Avenue, next to the Crossroads Shopping Center located at 461 S. Capitol Avenue. Additional work to relocate a fire hydrant and fire suppression equipment will occur on the property in the sidewalk and landscape areas. For complete details, select SJW @ Crossroads June 2022. 

6/1/22: PG&E Gas Line Relocation - Weather and conditions pending, PG&E will replace/relocate sections of their natural gas pipeline located on Capitol Avenue between Bambi Lane and Capitol Avenue. The actual timeline of the relocation is about 2 weeks. Preliminary activities could delay the start. It will be complete by the end of summer. PG&E crews are coordinating activities directly with private property owners. Download a PDF copy of the notice.

2/11/22: San Jose Water Utility Relocation - San Jose Water's contractor, Pacific Underground Construction, will continue the relocation of underground facilities, weather and conditions permitting. Their activities are expected to last through March. San Jose Water will directly notify their customers if there are impacts to water service. Activities will occur on the Capitol Expressway between Wilbur Avenue and Tudor Court. Addition work will occur on Capitol Expressway at Highwood Drive, Bambi Lane, and Kollmer Drive. Beginning 2/14/22, there will be overnight activities at Capitol Expressway at the Story Road intersection.

2/1/2022: (Revised 3/1/2022) MCI/Verizon Underground Relocation - Weather and conditions permitting, this activity takes place on the north and southwest corners of Capitol Expressway at Tully  Road, and north and southwest corners of Capitol Expressway at Swift Lane. MCI/Verizon's contractor noticed the business's week of 1/31. They have additional work along the expressway at Cunningham and VTA will share the notification when it is received, expected for later this month. Crews will begin working in the Capitol Expressway/Tully Road Intersection on March 7. Notices to nearby businesses were provided by Solcom. 

11/8/2021: San Jose Water Utility Relocation - San Jose Water's contractor, Pacific Underground Construction, will begin relocation of underground facilities, weather and conditions permitting, on November 15. Their activities are expected to last through mid-March. San Jose Water will directly notify their customers if there are impacts to water service. Activities will occur on the Capitol Expressway between Wilbur Avenue and Tudor Court. Addition work will occur on Capitol Expressway at Highwood Drive, Bambi Lane, and Kollmer Drive. 

10/5/2021: MCI/Verizon Underground Relocation - This is a 2-day activity to clear fiber optic cables out from the area where PG&E is relocating the transmission poles. This activity takes place on the east side of Capitol Expressway, on the sidewalk, between Tully and Quimby Road (in front of the In & Out Burger area). MCI/Verizon's contractor noticed the business's week of 9/27. They have additional work along the expressway and VTA will share the notification when it is received. 

This activity is complete.

9/20/2021: PG&E Transmission Lines and Poles Relocation begins. PG&E notified customers the week of 9/13. This is to clear the old trellis towers in the center of the Capitol Expressway with new poles to the east side of the Capitol Expressway, clearing space for the future light rail expansion. 

This activity was completed in December 2021.

8/27/2021: Utility Relocation Overview Description- noted in the Summer 2021 Newsletter, these slides show where the utility companies will be working along Capitol Avenue, Capitol Expressway @ Story Rd, @ Tully Road, and PG&E Transmission lines and pole relocation on Capitol Expressway between Ocala Avenue and Quimby Road. 

7/27/2021: Advance Construction - Building Removal, S. Capitol Expressway @ Story Road - Begins on or about August 3, 2021. Summary: VTA will remove (demolish) the building located at 1093  S. Capitol Expressway. It is private property that VTA owns/acquired for the project. Activities are expected to take 4 days. The property will be cleaned and fencing removed on the last day. Community Outreach staff delivered notices to nearby businesses and residents adjacent to the property on 7/27/21. There are no business, traffic, or pedestrian impacts. There will be noise impacts from construction equipment.

5/10/2021: Utility Notice - Gas Line Distribution, S. Capitol Avenue - Begins on or about May 24, 2021. PG&E will mail notices (attached above), and call residents and businesses that are located within 300 feet of the areas they are working in to provide details that could impact their service.
Summary: PG&E is replacing sections of their natural gas pipeline on South Capitol Avenue from Lombard Avenue to East Capitol Expressway at Babb Creek in San Jose. Intermittent lane closures and no parking signs in the work areas will be posted. Please plan for minor delays when driving through the project area.

2/2/2021: Advance Construction Work - Crossroads Shopping Center Notice, expected to begin on or about February 8, 2021. 
Summary: Activities are on private property with some intermittent sidewalks and traffic lane impact during tree removal. This notice was mailed on 1/29/2021 to and including the area 1/4 mile of 461 S. Capitol Ave., emailed to project stakeholders, and to the immediate Nextdoor neighborhoods. Community outreach staff delivered notices door-door to businesses on 2/1/2021. There are no business access impacts. 

Videos

Project Videos

3-18-2024
VTA is excited to begin construction of the light rail extension in E. San Jose. Watch this video Eastridge to BART Project Benefits to learn of the benefits this project brings to the community, and VTA's transit service!  

Curious to see how Capitol Expressway will look with light rail when the project is complete? Check out this video via VTA's Youtube: Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Video.

Contractors Information

Interested in this contracting opportunity? Please visit Doing Business with VTA. On this page you will see all open and upcoming contracting opportunities, learn how to register for contract notifications, and become certified with VTA's Business Diversity Program. 

Timeline

Preliminary Engineering
-
Design and Engineering
-
Environmental Clearance
-
VTA Board of Directors approves environmental document

California Environmental Quality Act Final Environmental Impact Report, dated April 2005 is approved for the Capitol Expressway Light Rail project with an alignment from Alum Rock to Neiman Blvd. in two phases. First phase extends light rail to Eastridge. Second phase to Nieman.  Scope includes:

  • Elevated tracks from Alum Rock to south of Story Road
  • At-grade through Ocala and Cunningham
  • Tunnel under Tully Road
  • New stations at Story, Ocala/Cunningham, and Eastridge
  • Story Road pedestrian overcrossing at all four corners of the intersection to the elevated station
  • Kiss and ride lot on the southeast corner of Story Road
  • Station located between Ocala and Cunningham
  • Pedestrian facilities along Capitol Expressway (new sidewalks, lighting, landscaping)
  • Transit Center at Eastridge
  • Original draft study evaluated an alignment between the Alum Rock Station and SR 87
VTA Board of Directors approves environmental document update

California Environmental Quality Act Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report, dated April 2007.

Changes are the result of preliminary engineering and include:

  • Elimination of the Nieman extension
  • Change from tunnel to elevated alignment at Tully Road
  • Elimination of 2 of the 4 pedestrian overcrossings at Story Road
  • Elimination of the kiss and ride lot at Story Road
  • Move station between Ocala and Cunningham closer to Ocala
  • Modify electrical transmission towers relocation (PG&E towers)
VTA Board of Directors re-affirms their support for the Capitol Expressway Light Rail Extension to Eastridge Mall
VTA Board of Directors Approves Phasing of Project

Phase 1 to include pedestrian and street improvements, followed by the new Eastridge Transit Center.

Phase 2 to complete the light rail extension to Eastridge Transit Center.

VTA Board of Directors Approves $57.5M for Capitol Expressway Light Rail Extension

Funds to be used for pedestrian and bus improvements, and utility relocation.

VTA Board of Directors Approves Environmental Document Addendum

California Environmental Quality Act Revised Addendum to the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report.

Approves the phasing (Phase 1) of the Pedestrian and Bus Improvements as Phase 1a and Phase 1b. 

Federal Categorical Exclusion

Staff completes Federal Categorical Exclusion (National Environmental Policy Act, Categorical Exclusion) that makes the Eastridge Transit Center Improvements eligible for federal funding.

Construction
-
VTA Board of Directors Approves Construction Contract (Phase 1a)
Pedestrian Improvements Construction Complete - Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Construction
-
VTA Board of Directors Approves Construction Contract (Phase 1b)

Phase 1b is to rebuild a new Eastridge Transit Center. Construction is expected to be complete in spring, 2015.

Ground Breaking Celebration

Community, Elected Officials, and VTA staff celebrate the groundbreaking construction of the new Eastridge Transit Center.

Property Acquisition for Eastridge Transit Center construction complete

Including $24 M for transit center property and transfer of $18 M of available budget from Caltrain Capacity Improvement to this project.

VTA Board of Directors Approves Subsequent Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration

California Environmental Quality Act, dated February 2014. This action removes the Ocala light rail station, eliminates the sidewalk widening between Foxdale Drive and Ocala Avenue, (and resulting property acquisition), and expands Eastridge parking. This was based on environmental review from FTA while VTA was preparing a Federal EIS in order to be eligible for federal funding.

Note: VTA decided to suspend the NEPA process in late 2017 due to lack of federal funding available for this project.

Eastridge Transit Center Construction Complete - Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Community, local officials, and VTA staff celebrate the completion and opening of the new Eastridge Transit Center.

Design and Engineering
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VTA Board Approves Funding to Complete Preliminary Engineering and Final Design (Phase 2 - Light Rail Extension)
VTA Board of Directors Awards Contract for Design/Engineering

Engineering contract approved with BKF Engineers for preparation of construction documents for the light rail extension to Eastridge.

Updates to roadway geometry and light rail vertical alignment

Updates to roadway geometry and light rail alignment are to improve the project and mitigate community impacts.

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Policy Advisory Group Recommendation

Eastridge to BART Policy Advisory Board recommends approval of staff recommended geometry and light rail alignment changes for VTA Board of Directors action in May 2018. Specifically, the VTA Board will be asked to approve two items:

1. Staff to perform the environmental analysis of the light rail project using California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) criteria, and the staff recommended geometry and vertical light rail alignment.

2. Funding strategy that uses a combination of SB-1 funds and projected savings from other Measure A projects to fund the increased cost resulting from the proposed changes.  if the environmental document update and the project changes are approved by the Board at the completion of the environmental analysis. 

Community Scoping Meeting

Project changes to be evaluated in Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report

  • Extension of elevated structure between Story Road and Tully Road
  • Roadway design changes
  • Modification to Story Road Pedestrian Overcrossing and Median Access
  • Modification to Eastridge Station and Park-and-Ride-Lot
Draft Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report - Public Meeting and Open House

The Draft Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report was released for public review and 45 day comment period.

A Public Meeting was held on October 22.

Comments are due by November 19.

 

Final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Released
VTA Board of Directors Approves Final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
Final Second Addendum to the Final SEIR-2 Released

The FINAL Second Addendum to the Final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Final SEIR-2) for the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector-Capitol Expressway Light Rail Project (EBRC-CELR) evaluates design changes that have occurred since the Final SEIR-2 was approved in June 2019.  VTA is proposing changes to the Project as a result of advances in design and engineering, and updated electrical designs from PG&E. None of these changes are anticipated to have any new significant impacts or an increase in severity of previously identified impacts.

Contractor Industry Forum

The purpose of today's industry review is for VTA to share an overview of the EBRC project and solicit comments, suggestions, and questions from the contractor community to allow VTA to validate the proposed design approach. The webinar was recorded and will be available July 31. The presentation is available - Industry Review Presentation

EBRC Stakeholder Working Group August 2020 Meeting

A Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) has been created. Each SWG member was nominated by the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Policy Advisory Board to represent the unique constituencies that live, work, and play along the project alignment. Their role is to disseminate information to the stakeholders near the project area and to give feedback to the project team. For more information, select SWG Orientation Meeting.

EBRC Stakeholder Working Group November 2020 Meeting
Advance Construction-Crossroads Shopping Center

Preliminary construction activities will occur behind the Crossroads Shopping Center, on private property, in advance of future utility relocation that are expected to begin later this spring. Weather and conditions permitting, this is expected to continue through mid-March. 

Final Third Addendum to the Final SEIR-2 Released

VTA has prepared the 2021 Third Addendum to the Final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Final SEIR-2) for the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Project. This is regarding an update to in increase in required tree removal and mitigation.

EBRC Stakeholder Working Group February 2021 Meeting
Utility Relocation
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PG&E Underground Gas Pipeline Relocation/Replacement

PG&E will relocate an underground 4" gas pipeline located at Capitol Avenue/Capitol Expressway. Open the Utility Notice - Gas Line Distribution, S. Capitol Avenue for details. This activity will be complete by end of July 2021.

EBRC Stakeholder Working Group June 2021 Meeting
Building Removal

The building located at 1093 E. Capitol Expressway has been acquired and owned by VTA. It is currently vacant. It will be removed August 3-6 to make room for construction of light rail that is expected to begin in 2023.

EBRC Stakeholder Working Group August 2021 Meeting
PG&E Transmission Lines and Poles Relocation Begins

Relocation of PG&E transmission lines and towers begins. Activities expected to continue through December 2021.

MCI/Verizon begins relocation of fiber optic cables

MCI/Verizon to relocate cables.

EBRC Stakeholder Working Group August 2021 Meeting
EBRC Stakeholder Working Group November 2021 Meeting
San Jose Water begins relocation of water lines

San Jose Water begins underground relocation of water lines. Activities expected to continue through March 2022.  More...

MCI/Verizon begins relocation of fiber optic cables

This activity takes place on the north and southwest corners of E. Capitol Expressway at Tully Road and Swift Lane. Duration @ 1 month. More...

San Jose Public Art Committee

Report on the selection of artist Pae White and artist team Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan for the project art enhancement at Story Road and Eastridge Stations

EBRC Stakeholder Working Group February 2022 Meeting

6:30 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89292332365?

Updated San Jose Water Utility Relocation

Dates and locations updated. Includes notice of overnight work beginning 2/14/22 for @ 3-4 weeks.

PG&E Gas Line Relocation (Capitol Ave @ Story)

On or about June 6, crews will begin relocation of the gas line located along Capitol Avenue @ Story (between Bambi and Story). Select Notice for details. PG&E Crews are responsible for noticing and coordinating activities directly with residents.

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Project - Summer 2022 Newsletter

Project updates, introduction to station art, project benefits, updated funding and schedule information. This newsletter is provided in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Tagalog. Download: EBRC Summer 2022 Newsletter

EBRC Stakeholder Working Group August 2022 Meeting

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
6:30 pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89745912952?pwd=OFhjVVNFK2lNeXlyZDJleEUvVGRJQT09
 

EBRC Utility Relocation Update - Joint Trench

PG&E, and their contractor, Underground Construction, will begin the next phase of underground utility relocation of gas and electric services. Additional utility owners that share the same areas, AT&T, Comcast, and Crown Castle will coordinate their activities in same area. Most of the work is occurring on Capitol Expressway, and Capitol Avenue.

Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting (Eng)

Meet the artists! Station Art Meeting Event Details

Station Art Enhancement Community Meeting (Sp)

Meet the Artists. This meeting facilitated in Spanish. Station Art Meeting Details.

Pre-Bid Contract Review

10am. One hour pre-bid Contract Review for Contractors. Mandatory RSVP: Contract C20120-Eastridge to BART Regional Connector

C20120-Request for Pre-Qualification
C20120 Invitation for Bid
EBRC Stakeholder Working Group Meeting

6:30pm  virtual meeting 

Eastridge Station Art Concept Community Meeting

6pm-English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters

7:15pm - Facilitated in Spanish with English interpreter

Story Road Station Art Concept Community Meeting

6pm - English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters.

7:15pm - Facilitated in Spanish with English interpreter.

Utility relocations work along E. Capitol Expy and S. Capitol Ave.

11/16/2023 & 11/30/2023: Fiber Company Crown Castle will be working overnight to early morning to install a new fiber line and remove the traffic pole at the intersection of E. Capitol Expy and S. Capitol Ave. Full construction notice here. 

Construction
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Community Meeting via Zoom
Community Meeting via Zoom - Facilitated in Spanish
Community Meeting - Hank Lopez Community Center
Stakeholder Working Group Meeting
Project Groundbreaking and Community Resource Fair Celebration!
EBRC Policy Advisory Board Meeting
Stakeholder Working Group Meeting
EBRC Policy Advisory Board Meeting
Stakeholder Working Group Meeting
EBRC Policy Advisory Board Meeting
Groundbreaking Ceremony and Resource Fair
Community Outreach Field Office Warming

11am-1pm

1093 S. Capitol Avenue, San Jose11am-1pm

Community Meeting-In Person, Hank Lopez Community Center
Community Meeting - Zoom
Community Meeting - Zoom - Facilitated in Spanish

Funding

Total Funding
$652.9 Million
Amount
$313.6 Million
2000 Measure A
Amount
$130 Million
Regional Measure 3 (RM 3)
Amount
$25.1 Million
Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017
Amount
$14.8 Million
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP)
Amount
$46.6 Million
State of California Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP)
Amount
122.8 Million
VTA Local Funds Reserve

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EBRC event
June 11, 2024
Community Celebration of the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Project
On Saturday, June 8, the East San Jose community, elected leaders, and VTA gathered at the Eastridge Transit Center to celebrate the start of construction of the light rail extension. This event was...
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