Discussion

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) proposes to construct a grade-separated pedestrian undercrossing to provide access under the tracks for the Brad B. Freeman Bike Trail. The new grade-separated pedestrian undercrossing is necessary for the functional operation of the Brad B. Freeman Bike Trail to keep bicyclists, equestrian users, and pedestrians from needing to cross the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks at-grade.

The subject UPRR tracks are the mainline tracks on the UPRR's Canyon Subdivision. Currently, there are approximately 10 freight train movements per a day, at 45 miles per hour over this location. There is no passenger service on this line.

The new grade-separated pedestrian undercrossing structure will be constructed by the DWR under the requirements, regulations, and review of the DWR. The design and construction of the grade-separated pedestrian undercrossing structure will comply with all minimum clearance requirements set forth in California Public Utilities Commission General Order 26-D, as well as all UPRR design standards. After construction, the DWR will maintain the grade-separated pedestrian undercrossing and appurtenances, including its approaches.

The new grade-separated pedestrian undercrossing will include covered metal decking and fencing throughout its length, extending twenty five feet on either side of the grade-separated pedestrian undercrossing, to keep the public from encroaching on the UPRR right-of-way and to protect trail users from any debris falling from the railroad tracks. The design also incorporates an additional 138-feet of uncovered fencing along the trail north of the grade-separated pedestrian undercrossing and 75-feet of uncovered fencing along the trail to the south of the grade-separated pedestrian undercrossing. Additionally, 232-feet of fencing will be installed along the UPRR property line in the vicinity of the crossing, as an additional treatment to keep pedestrians away from the railroad tracks. The existing "No Trespassing" signage will be replaced and supplemented with new signage to keep trail users on the Brad B. Freeman Bike Trail and off of the UPRR right-of-way.