Eastridge to BART Regional Connector - EBRC

A crew from EBRC contractor MCM Construction.

A field crew from MCM Construction ensured that the temporary parking lot on VTA property for residents at K&K Apartments was ready and functional for the upcoming work to replace the 10-carport driveway on S. Capitol Avenue that serves K&K Apartments, 5 carports at a time.  [Photo by VTA/EBRC LFP].

Project 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.

Community Outreach

Outreach to the Community is delivered in many ways, including email, web page postings like this, signage, tabling at events, presenting at your neighborhood association, home visits for specific purposes, and mail notifications. We use multiple approaches to inform the community and allow 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)

A crew from EBRC contractor MCM Construction.

A field crew from MCM Construction ensured that the temporary parking lot on VTA property for residents at K&K Apartments was ready and functional for the upcoming work to replace the 10-carport driveway on S. Capitol Avenue that serves K&K Apartments, 5 carports at a time.  [Photo by VTA/EBRC LFP].

Project 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.

Community Outreach

Outreach to the Community is delivered in many ways, including email, web page postings like this, signage, tabling at events, presenting at your neighborhood association, home visits for specific purposes, and mail notifications. We use multiple approaches to inform the community and allow 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)

Read Less

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
-
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
-
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
-
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
Stakeholder Working Group Meeting

6:30pm Via ZOOM

Stakeholder Working Group Meeting

6:30pm Via ZOOM

Stakeholder Working Group Meeting

6:30pm Via ZOOM

Stakeholder Working Group Meeting

6:30pm Via ZOOM

EBRC Policy Advisory Board Meeting

Meeting Information

EBRC Policy Advisory Board Meeting

Meeting Information

EBRC Policy Advisory Board Meeting

Meeting Information

EBRC Policy Advisory Board Meeting

Meeting Information

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
December 24, 2024
Year in Review: Celebrating 2024 Project Milestones
This year was significant for many of VTA’s projects and programs. From initial planning to groundbreaking construction and even ribbon-cutting, community members have been with us every step of the...
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