June San José trails update

Here's the latest in San José trails from Trail Manager Yves Zsutty.

Lower Guadalupe River Trail Construction

The Lower Guadalupe River Trail officially reopened on Saturday, April 20. About 50 people were in attendance, with representatives from the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, City of San Jose, County, Water District and Cisco Systems to name a few. At that time, all pavement and associated improvements are complete. Since the opening, all electrical work on the under-crossing lights has been completed and the project is now officially done. The trail project was made possible through substantial funding from the Federal Government (SAFETEA-Lu, 2005 Transportation Bill) and City funding.

Los Gatos Creek Trail Under-Crossing (San Carlos Street)

The City Council is expected to approve an engineering contract on Tuesday, June 18 for the design of a trail extension and under-crossing for the Los Gatos Creek Trail system. The project would extend the trail from its current entry at the San Carlos Street (frontage road) to Bird Avenue (Autumn Street). The project will provide greater access to the trail system from downtown; in particular, it provides improved access to the nearby train station and is well located if San Jose’s Ballpark efforts move forward. The posted Master Plan for Reach 5 of the trail system offers more information on the future alignment: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/index.aspx?nid=2872 Future updates will include precise information about schedule and major milestones for the design effort.

Three Creeks Trail (Lonus Street to Guadalupe River Trail)

Staff is conducting a series of community workshops. The March 19 and May 29 meetings gained community input on the overall alignment and project details. The final workshop on July 24 will seek community input on a final alignment and design details. The meeting will occur at the Willow Glen Community Center. Staff will reach out to the community at two additional meetings to get feedback on conceptual plans for a pedestrian bridge to span over Los Gatos Creek and replace the wooden railway trestle currently on site. Persons interested in the bridge design concepts should plan the July 9 or July 17 meeting. Details about all meetings are posted on the website: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/index.aspx?nid=2883

Other active projects

Construction documents are being prepared for the following future trail projects:

1. Coyote Creek Trail (Highway 237 Bikeway to Tasman Drive) – Plans are at the 65% stage and staff is working with State of California to secure an easement.
2. Lower Silver Creek Trail (Alum Rock to Highway 680) – Negotiations are underway with contract design to prepare construction documents.
3. Lower Silver Creek Trail (Dobern Bridge to Story Road) – Plans are prepared to the 95% stage with bidding expected in Fall 2013.
4. Penitencia Creek Trail (Dorel Drive to Nobel Avenue) – Plans are at the 95% stage.
5. Thompson Creek Trail (Tully Road to Quimby Road) – Plans are at the 100% stage and permits and agreements are being secured to permit construction.