Rail Safety Enhancement Program

Between 2016 and 2021, an alarming 22 fatalities and 17 injuries occurred along Alameda County rail corridors. The Alameda County Rail Safety Enhancement Program (RSEP) was developed as an outgrowth of the recommendations included in the Alameda County Goods Movement Plan and in response to the dangerous conditions many rail crossings pose throughout the county.   The goals of the RSEP are to:
  • Provide safe at-grade crossings for all users, particularly near schools, Priority Development Areas and Equity Priority Communities
  • Reduce the unnecessary fatalities or severe injuries at the at-grade crossings
  • Increase freight service reliability along rail corridors
  • Reduce greenhouse gasses by encouraging goods movement by freight and encouraging mode shift for active transportation by removing barriers to active transportation facilities at the at-grade crossings
Development of the RSEP is split into three phases—RSEP-A, RSEP-B and RSEP-C—to achieve the project goals and construct improvements in a three to five-year timeframe. A prioritization framework for the at-grade crossings was approved by the Alameda County Transportation Commission in 2018 as part of the Rail Strategy Study that narrowed the 133 at-grade crossing locations in Alameda County to 56 locations. For more information regarding each phase of the Project, continue to the respective tabs for each project phase. At-grade crossings for the RSEP are located in the cities of Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Oakland, San Leandro, Union City, and in the Alameda County communities of Ashland, Cherryland and San Lorenzo. Project partners include the California Department of Transportation, the California Public Utilities Commission and Union Pacific Railroad. Alameda CTC’s RSEP is not part of the City of Berkeley’s railroad quiet zone study efforts. In November 2019, a presentation was made to the City of Berkeley Transportation Commission about the Berkeley Quiet Zone Project, which is available here. To find out more information about Berkeley’s quiet zone efforts, contact transportation@berkeleyca.gov.

RSEP: Phase A, Phase B and Phase C Crossings

Map for RSEP Phases A, B and C

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rail Safety Enhancement Program (RSEP) is Alameda County Transportation Commission 's (Alameda CTC) countywide effort to improve safety, reliability, and long-term operations at rail crossings. It is being carried out in collaboration with local jurisdictions and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR).

In 2018, Alameda CTC completed an in-depth analysis to prioritize improvements at street-level rail crossings — locations where roads, sidewalks, and railroad tracks intersect – and areas between crossings. The analysis identified the crossings and corridors most affected by rail traffic and most in need of safety and access improvements. Those highest-priority locations were incorporated into RSEP.

RSEP will deliver critical safety upgrades at these crossings, such as track improvements, new or enhanced sidewalks, and the installation of automatic pedestrian gates, lighting, warning devices, and improved signage.

Construction will be coordinated with local cities and UPRR to minimize disruption. Together, these upgrades will improve safety, reduce long-term maintenance needs and improve conditions for everyone traveling through the area.

RSEP is divided into three phases: RSEP-A, RSEP-B, and RSEP-C. RSEP-A, which includes crossings in the cities of Berkeley, San Leandro, Hayward, Livermore, Oakland and unincorporated Alameda County, is the first phase to begin construction.

The first part of Phase-A construction work (known as Package 1) in the cities of Livermore and Hayward began construction in June 2026 and is estimated to be completed by Summer 2028.

The schedules for remaining RSEP- A construction work and RSEP- B and C are being developed.

Several regional, state, and federal funding sources are funding this project, including:

  • Local sales tax Measure BB
  • Regional Measure 3
  • Senate Bill 1 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program
  • Federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program

The total estimated cost for the first phase of RSEP is approximately $118 million.

Alameda County experiences a high volume of safety incidents along its rail corridor. Between 2016 and 2021, 22 fatalities and 17 injuries occurred along the corridor. In addition, pedestrian oriented safety devices are lacking in many areas.

To address these important safety issues, the Alameda County RSEP was developed. The effort also contemplates recommendations from the Alameda County Goods Movement Plan, which explores how connectivity and safety may be improved throughout the county.

Notifications will be distributed by Alameda CTC and our City partners before the start of construction. The notifications will provide details about potential road closures, detours, or other anticipated impacts.

In addition, the project webpage will be regularly updated with up-to-date information about any construction work taking place.

The safety of our community, workers, and travelers is a top priority throughout construction, and the project team is committed to minimizing disruptions. Every effort will be made to reduce inconveniences to local residents, businesses, and commuters.

Comments and questions from the community are always welcome. If you have questions or comments, please call (510) 323-0065 or email railsafety@alamedactc.org. A member of the project team will respond as soon as possible.

Improvements for the RSEP are being funded locally by Measure BB and federally with the $25 million Federal Railroad Administration Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant –the largest CRISI grant awarded in California and the second largest in the nation. See the full press release.

Public Hearings – Virtual

A virtual public information meeting was held on May 22, 2024 for the Rail Safety Enhancement Program's (RSEP) proposed safety improvements to five existing at-grade rail crossings in the City of Berkeley and in Alameda County.

Meeting Materials

A virtual public meeting was held on May 17, 2023 for the RSEPs proposed safety improvements to four existing at-grade rail crossings in the City of Oakland and in Alameda County.

Public Hearing Notice

A virtual public meeting was held on May 4, 2023 for the RSEPs proposed safety improvements to eight existing at-grade rail crossings in San Leandro, Hayward and unincorporated Alameda County.

Public Hearing Notice

A virtual public meeting was held on April 13, 2023 for the RSEPs proposed safety improvements to three existing at-grade rail crossings on Addison Street, Cedar Street and Bancroft Way in the City of Berkeley in Alameda County.

Public Hearing Notice

A virtual public meeting was held on March 28, 2023 for the RSEPs proposed safety improvements to two existing at-grade rail crossings on Virginia Street and Hearst Avenue in the City of Berkeley in Alameda County.

Public Hearing Notice
Following are Initial Studies/Mitigated Negative Declarations (IS/MND) for the Alameda County Rail Safety Enhancement Program's (RSEP) proposed safety improvements for existing at-grade rail crossings in Alameda County. Each had its own 30-day public review and comment period. There are four IS/MND's in total.

Project Documents

This segment of the Rail Safety Enhancement Project proposes safety improvements to two existing at-grade rail crossings on Virginia Street and Hearst Avenue in the City of Berkeley in Alameda County. The 30-day public review and comment period closed April 13, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

Project Documents

This segment of the Rail Safety Enhancement Project proposes safety improvements to three existing at-grade rail crossings on Cedar Street, Addison Street and Bancroft Way in the City of Berkeley in Alameda County. The 30-day public review and comment period closed May 2, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

Project Documents

This segment of the Rail Safety Enhancement Project proposes safety improvements on the following existing at-grade rail crossings:
  • City of San Leandro: Marina Boulevard, Washington Avenue and Hesperian Boulevard
  • City of Hayward: Leidig Court, Tennyson High School Pedestrian Crossing, Tennyson Road and Industrial Parkway
  • Unincorporated Alameda County: Lewelling Boulevard
The 30-day public review and comment period closed May 25, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).
This segment of the Rail Safety Enhancement Project proposes safety improvements to 4 existing at-grade rail crossings on 29th, 37th, 50th, and Fruitvale Avenues in Oakland. The 30-day public review and comment period closed May 31, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

Following are Categorical Exemptions (CE) for the Alameda County Rail Safety Enhancement Program's (RSEP) proposed safety improvements for existing at-grade rail crossings in Alameda County. Each had its own 30-day public review and comment period. There are three CE's in total.
Coming soon.

Coming soon.

Project Initiation Documents

Following are Project Initiation Documents (PID) for the Alameda County Rail Safety Enhancement Program's (RSEP) proposed safety improvements for existing at-grade rail crossings in Alameda County. Each document details recommendations of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch staff for RSEP, Phase B crossing safety improvements.
Coming soon.

JULY 2026 ADVISORY – CITY OF HAYWARD 

Construction Update

In partnership with the City of Hayward and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) expects construction activities for the Rail Safety Enhancement Project (RSEP) to begin on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Temporary Pedestrian Path Closures

To support construction, temporary pedestrian path closures will be required at two rail crossing locations from Tuesday, July 21 until Saturday, July 25, 2026.

The affected locations are:

  • Tennyson High School: Near Schafer Road and Huntwood Avenue.
  • West Industrial Parkway: Between Pacific Street and Taylor Avenue.

During construction, please follow posted signage and be prepared to adjust your route.

What to Expect During Construction

Nearby residents and travelers may experience temporary construction impacts, including:

  • Temporary pedestrian path and sidewalk closures
  • Construction noise
  • Dust near the work areas
  • Limited nighttime work
  • Reduced street parking at Tennyson High School pedestrian path crossing

Roadways near the construction areas will remain open and fully accessible during this work. The safety of our community, workers, and travelers is our top priority throughout construction, and our project team is committed to minimizing disruptions. Every effort will be made to reduce inconveniences to nearby residents and pedestrian pathway users.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to deliver these important safety improvements.

Note: This is the first phase of rail crossing improvements in Hayward. We will keep the community updated about any impacts that may occur as part of the next phases of work.

JUNE 2026 ADVISORY - CITY OF LIVERMORE

The two Livermore crossings will be the first two crossings from this countywide program to move into construction.

Construction Update

In partnership with the City of Livermore and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) expects construction activities for the Rail Safety Enhancement Project (RSEP) to begin on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Temporary Road Closures

To support construction, temporary road closures will be required at two locations: the L Street and Junction Avenue rail crossings.

  • The L Street (between Chestnut Street and Railroad Avenue) crossing is expected to be closed starting the evening of Friday, June 26, through the morning of Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
  • The Junction Avenue (between Ladd Avenue and Old First Street) crossing is expected to be closed starting the evening of Friday, July 10 through the morning of Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

During construction, please follow posted detour routes and allow extra time for travel. Please see detour maps below for more information.

What to Expect During Construction

Nearby residents, businesses, and travelers may experience temporary construction impacts, including:

  • Temporary road closures
  • Detours and changes to travel routes
  • Construction noise
  • Dust near the work areas

Residential and commercial traffic will be permitted to access their driveways during these closures. The safety of our community, workers, and travelers is our top priority throughout construction, and our project team is committed to minimizing disruptions. Every effort will be made to reduce inconveniences to residents, businesses, and commuters. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to deliver these important safety improvements. Note: This is the first phase of rail crossing improvements in Livermore. Additional minor construction activities are expected intermittently until late 2027. We will keep the community updated about any additional closures or impacts that may occur as part of that work.

Note: This is the first phase of rail crossing improvements in Livermore. Additional minor construction activities are expected intermittently until late 2027. We will keep the community updated about any additional closures or impacts that may occur as part of that work.

We're Here to Help
Have questions or concerns? Please call (510) 323-0065 or email railsafety@alamedactc.org. A member of the project team will respond as soon as possible.
Project Funding
These improvements are funded locally through Measure BB as well as state, regional and federal funding.

Please note that all construction dates are approximate and subject to change due to weather and unforeseen conditions. Construction is being coordinated by the City of Livermore, Alameda County Transportation Commission (CTC), and the Union Pacific Railroad.

Detour Maps