The purpose of the Grade Separation Program is to reduce the number of at-grade (street-level) crossings on the Caltrain railroad that may impact local roadway congestion and safety for the railroad.
As defined by the 2004 Transportation Expenditure Plan, Measure A provides the Grade Separation category with a 15 percent share of the sales tax revenue collected. Similarly, as defined by the 2018 Congestion Relief Plan, Measure W provides the Grade Separation category with a 2.5 percent share of the sales tax revenue collected. The SMCTA Strategic Plan 2025-2029 projected that Measure A and Measure W will generate approximately $21 million per year in available funding for this program.
Success for the Grade Separation Program means fewer delays for all transportation users -- drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike -- by eliminating at-grade conflicts between road and rail. Grade separations improve rail reliability and strengthen community connectivity by removing the disruptions caused by passing trains. The program achieves this by advancing projects through a defined funding pipeline.
What is an At-Grade Crossing and a Grade Separation?
An at grade crossing is where a road intersects a rail corridor at the same level. At-grade improvements could include new striping, delineators, and anti-intrusion features to enhance existing crossings. However, these features are not eligible for this funding program but could be funded through SMCTA's Caltrain Program category.
Grade separations are physical separations of a railroad from a road or multimodal path. This is typically done by building an overpass or underpass to allow one route to cross over or under the other, enhancing safety and traffic flow.
City of San Mateo 25th Avenue Grade Separation (Constructed)
In 1999, project planners started envisioning the 25th Grade Separation Project. The project grade separated the Caltrain corridor at E. 25th Avenue, and created new east-west street connections .The project improved safety for both motorists and pedestrians, and reduced local traffic congestion in San Mateo. As part of the project’s overall improvements, Caltrain rebuilt a new elevated Hillsdale Station with updated amenities. The station re-opened on April 26, 2021.
City of Burlingame Broadway Grade Separation (In Final Design Phase)
To improve safety for all modes of travel, Caltrain in cooperation with the City of Burlingame is separating the train tracks from the road at Broadway. The project will reduce local traffic congestion and train horn noise, and eliminate the current hold-out rule in which only one train is allowed at the station at a time. A new Broadway Station with updated amenities will also be constructed to better serve the community.
Cities of South San Francisco and San Bruno South Linden Avenue/Scott Street Grade Separation (In Environmental Phase)
Cities of South San Francisco and San Bruno have partnered to sponsor a project to study the creation of grade separations at the railroad crossings located at South Linden Avenue in South San Francisco and Scott Street in San Bruno. Although located in different cities, the railroad crossings at South Linden Avenue and Scott Street are a relatively short distance from each other, approximately 1,850 feet apart. Due to their proximity, the grade separations at South Linden and Scott Street must be evaluated together because the design of one grade separation will impact the other.
Grade Separation Policy Update (2026)
In February 2026, the SMCTA Board of Directors adopted new Grade Separation Program policies to respond to increased costs for delivering grade separation projects. The new policy applies for a five-year period and allows the City of Burlingame's Broadway Grade Separation Project to claim access to a majority of the remaining Measure A and W funding through the life of each measure. SMCTA is also committed to funding the City of South San Francisco/City of San Bruno's South Linden Avenue and Scott Street Grade Separation Project through Final Design. The City of Menlo Park's Ravenswood Avenue Grade Separation Project will not be considered for funding during this period.
Grade Separation Policy Update Presentation
Grade Separation Policy Update Staff Report
Grade Separation Policy Update Resolution
Program Funding Awards
This section will be updated as program funding is awarded. The next Grade Separation Call for Projects does not have a definitive date at this time since the previous 2013 Call for Projects were awarded in November 2013. That list of projects became the original Measure A Grade Separation Pipeline project list which are still being prioritized by SMCTA.
Caltrain's Grade Separation Program Partner Resources
To get more information about Caltrain's Grade Separation program for the full rail corridor, please visit: https://www.caltrain.com/projects/ccs