Honorable Council Members,
Its so good to see that fully grade separated tracks are studied as an option for our Catrain intersections. You were due for full information on the options.
I do want to emphasize that having the tracks elevated is both a challenge and an opportunity. As we saw this week with the Belle Haven pool heater issues, pulling standard references from suppliers and agencies can lead our staff astray. We have both the duty and the opportunity to question if there are benefits to be had that are not enumerated, not just a safe hesitancy.
A fully elevated structure over the three downtown intersections should be open below - this is a given - and can and should look better than plain concrete. Arched opoenings can and should be be attractive; the trackway can be a U-section that uses the sidewalls structurally while also providing a low acoustic buffer in a low profile. The success is in the details, and there are many details needing inspired guidance.
I wish you and Menlo Park a fantastic, charming grade sep project!
Henry Riggs
