Guadalupe Bridge Replacement Project

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Caltrain operates on two tracks, northbound and southbound, over the Guadalupe River in San Jose, just north of Tamien Station.

The northbound track is on a wooden trestle bridge constructed in 1935 and the southbound track is on a concrete bridge constructed in 1990. Each bridge requires different levels of construction. 

The bridges are located in an area of high erosion and are at risk of bank failure during storm events. Riverbank failures have occurred in several previous years, requiring emergency stabilization measures. To address these safety issues and protect the rail bridges, the project will conduct channel work, including erosion prevention, and complete the necessary enhancements to the rail bridges to maintain safe and reliable operations for all users. 

In addition to Caltrain's passenger service, the railroad bridges are used by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) freight service, Amtrak passenger service, and by the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) and Capitol Corridor.  

Northbound Bridge (MT-1): 

• The 1935 wooden northbound bridge has been damaged by multiple fires and will be replaced with a new concrete structure to meet current railroad structural design standards and seismic criteria. The replacement bridge structure will be 265 feet. 

Southbound Bridge (MT-2):

• Because the southbound bridge was constructed in 1990, full replacement is not necessary; however, the southern end of the bridge structure will be extended due to river flow speeds and riverbank erosion. The bridge will be 250 feet with the extension. 

September marked a significant milestone as the MT2 bridge was successfully erected, bringing us one step closer to restoring passenger service on the bridge.