CITY OF SANTA CLARA CREEK TRAIL NETWORK EXPANSION FEASIBILITY STUDY

Evaluating: CALABAZAS CREEK CORRIDOR HETCH HETCHY CORRIDOR CORRIDOR

Prepared for: City of Santa Clara Department of Public Works

Prepared by: Sokale Environmental Planning Hill Associates Hexagon Transportation Cotton, Shires and Associates

November 2013

CITY OF SANTA CLARA CREEK TRAIL NETWORK EXPANSION FEASIBILITY STUDY

Evaluating:

CALABAZAS CREEK CORRIDOR HETCH HETCHY CORRIDOR SARATOGA CREEK CORRIDOR

NOVEMBER 2013

Prepared for: City of Santa Clara Department of Public Works

Prepared by: Sokale Environmental Planning Hill Associates Hexagon Transportation Cotton, Shires and Associates

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report AGENCY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CONSULTANTS

CITY OF SANTA CLARA CITY COUNCIL LEAD CONSULTANT

Jamie L. Matthews, Mayor Sokale Environmental Planning Pat Kolstad, Vice Mayor Newark, Debi Davis Lisa M. Gillmor Jana Sokale, Principal Planner Patricia Mahan Jerry Marsalli SUBCONSULTANTS Teresa O’Neill Hill Associates Will Kennedy, Councilmember 2004-2012 Landscape Architects Jamie McLeod, Councilmember 2004-2012 Aptos, California Kevin Moore, Councilmember 2004-2012 Bruce Hill, Principal Landscape Architect Dominic Lopez, Landscape Architect

ITY OF ANTA LARA TAFF C S C S Hexagon Transportation Consultants Transportation Planners and Traffic Engineers Julio J. Fuentes, City Manager San Jose, California Rajeev Batra, Director of Public Works Department Dennis Ng, Traffic Engineer Gary Black, President Benison Tran, Senior Civil Engineer Ralph Garcia, Associate

Jennifer Sparacino, City Manager 1987-2012 Cotton Shires and Associates Consulting Engineers and Geologists Los Gatos, California

Ted Sayre, Principal Engineering Geologist David Schrier, Principal Geotechnical Engineer Jason Nichols, Senior Staff Engineering Geologist

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY …………………………………... i CHAPTER 3 – SITE ANALYSIS AND CONCEPTUAL TRAIL ALIGNMENTS ………………….. 29 Trail Design………………….………………………….. 30 CHAPTER 1 – PURPOSE AND BENEFITS …………………. 1 Class I Bikeways…………………..……………….. 30 Purpose ………………………………………………………… 2 Engineered Structures…………………..………… 30 Regional Setting ………………………………………………. 2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Goals and Policies ……… 3 CALABAZAS CREEK CORRIDOR ……….…………………… 32 Feasibility Study Goals ………………………………………. 4 Study Corridor Overview ……………………………. 32 Study Methodology …………………………………………... 5 Section 1 – SF Bay Trail to Highway 101 …………… 32 Outreach to Agencies ……………………………………. 5 Location and Ownership ………………………… 32 Community Meetings ………………….………………… 5 Site Analysis Summary ………………………… 35 Benefits and Significance ……………………………………. 6 Creek Character, Plant Communities and Wildlife 35 Inclusion in Regional Plans ……………………………... 6 Conceptual Trail Alignments …………………….. 36 Recreation Benefits …………………………………………... 6 Next Steps ………………………………………….. 39 Connections to Regional Trails and Parks ……..……... 8 Connections to City Parks, Recreation Facilities Section 2 – Highway 101 to Monroe Street …………... 41 and Attractions …………………..………………………. 8 Location and Ownership ………………………….. 41 Transportation Benefits ……………………………………... 8 Site Analysis Summary ……………………………. 41 Environmental Benefits ……………..………………………. 8 Creek Character, Plant Communities and Wildlife 41 Enhancement of Natural Resources ……...……………. 8 Conceptual Trail Alignments …………………….. 42 Improved Air Quality …………………………..………. 8 Next Steps ………………………………………….. 48

Section 3 – Monroe Street to Lochinvar Avenue …….. 49 CHAPTER 2 – FEASIBILITY CRITERIA …………………… 11 Location and Ownership …………………………... 49 Land Availability ……………………………………………. 12 Site Analysis Summary …………………………….. 49 Habitat Sensitivity……………………………………………. 14 Creek Character, Plant Communities and Wildlife 49 Habitats along Calabazas Creek Corridor ……….……. 14 Conceptual Trail Alignments ……………………… 50 Habitats along Saratoga Creek Corridor …….………... 15 Next Steps …………………………………………… 53 Habitats along the Hetch Hetchy Corridor ………..…. 16 Special Status Species ……………….………………………. 17 HETCH HETCHY CORRIDOR …….……….…………………... 54 Roadway Bridges and Creek Crossings …….…….………. 18 Study Corridor Overview ………………………………. 54 Bridge Types Accommodating an In-Channel ………. 21 Ulistac Natural Area to Calabazas Creek Trail ………. 54 Trail Underpass Location and Ownership …………………………… 54 Bridge Types Requiring Alternate Trail Solutions …... 24 Site Analysis Summary …………………………….. 57 On-Street Crossings ……………….……………………...…. 27 Corridor Character, Plant Communities and Wildlife 57 Conceptual Trail Alignments ……………………… 57 Next Steps …………………………………………… 64

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report TABLE OF CONTENTS

SARATOGA CREEK CORRIDOR…….……………..……….…. 65 MAPS Study Corridor Overview………………………….….... 65 Section 1 – Monroe Street to El Camino Real ………... 65 Map 1 – Study Area Map…………………………………..… 2 Location and Ownership ………………………….. 65 Map 2 – Calabazas Creek Land Availability and………….. 33 Site Analysis Summary ……………………………. 69 Underpass Feasibility Map Creek Character, Plant Communities and Wildlife 69 Map 3 – Calabazas Creek – Section 1: SF Bay Trail to……. 34 Conceptual Trail Alignments ……………………… 70 Highway 101 Conceptual Trail Alignments Map Next Steps …………………………………………… 70 Map 4 – Calabazas Creek – Section 2: Highway 101 to…... 43 Monroe Street Conceptual Trail Alignments Map Section 2 – El Camino Real to Forbes Avenue…………. 71 Map 5 – Calabazas Creek – Section 3: Monroe Street to….. 51 Location and Ownership …………………………… 71 Benton Street Conceptual Trail Alignments Map Site Analysis Summary …………………………….. 71 Map 6 – Hetch Hetchy Land Availability and Crossing….. 55 Creek Character, Plant Communities and Wildlife 71 Feasibility Map Conceptual Trail Alignments ……………………… 72 Map 7 – Hetch Hetchy Corridor: Ulistac Natural Area to… 56 Next Steps …………………………………………… 77 Calabazas Creek Trail Conceptual Trail Alignments Map CHAPTER 4 – BUDGET ESTIMATES ……………………... 79 Map 8 – Saratoga Creek Land Availability and……………. 67 Budget Assumptions …………………………………… 79 Underpass Feasibility Map Budget Estimate Summary ……………………………. 79 Map 9 – Saratoga Creek – Section 1: Monroe Street to……. 68 Preliminary Cost Estimate – Calabazas Creek Corridor 80 El Camino Real Conceptual Trail Alignments Map Preliminary Cost Estimate – Hetch Hetchy Corridor … 82 Map 10 – Saratoga Creek – Section 2: El Camino Real to….. 73 Preliminary Cost Estimate – Saratoga Creek Corridor.. 83 Forbes Avenue Conceptual Trail Alignments Map

CHAPTER 5 – REFERENCES ………………..…………….. 85 ILLUSTRATIONS

Agencies Contacted …………………………….……… 85 Illustration 1 – Highway 101 Pedestrian Overcrossing……. 40 Bibliography ……………………………………………. 86 adjacent to Calabazas Creek Illustration 2 – Kifer Road Trail Underpass Concept……… 45 Illustration 3 – View from the Bridge Deck on the………… 81 Highway 101 Pedestrian Overcrossing

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report TABLE OF CONTENTS

FIGURES

Figure 1 – Bicycle and Pedestrian Network …..………...... 3 Figure 19 – Calabazas Boulevard Bicycle and Pedestrian …. 52 Goals and Policies Improvements at Georgetown Place Figure 2 – Feasibility Study Goals ………………………….. 4 Figure 20 – Summary of Hetch Hetchy Corridor …………… 58 Figure 3 – Summary of Parks, Schools and Attractions.….. 7 Feasibility Findings by Corridor Figure 21 – Lick Mill Boulevard Bicycle and Pedestrian …… 59 Figure 4 – 1995 Santa Clara Countywide Trails ………….. 13 Improvements at Ulistac Natural Area Master Plan Definitions Figure 22 – Utility Constraints at Lafayette Street ………..… 61 Figure 5 – Wildlife Species with the Potential to Occur …. 17 and UPRR Corridor within the Three Study Corridors Figure 23 – Old Glory Lane Bicycle and Pedestrian ………. 62 Figure 6 – Summary of Grade-Separated Crossing ……… 19 Improvements between Great America Feasibility along Calabazas Creek Parkway and Old Ironsides Drive Figure 7 – Summary of Grade-Separated Crossing ……… 20 Figure 24 – Patrick Henry Drive Crossing Improvements…. 63 Feasibility along Saratoga Creek Figure 25 – Summary of Saratoga Creek Corridor …………. 66 Figure 8 – TFVS Bridge Accommodating a ……………… 21 Feasibility Findings Grade-Separated Trail Underpass Figure 26 – Typical Trail Underpass Design to a Tapered…. 75 Figure 9 – TFNS Bridge Accommodating a ……………… 22 Abutment Bridge (TANS) Structure Similar to Grade-Separated Trail Underpass Kiely Boulevard Figure 10 – TANS Bridge Accommodating a ……………… 23 Figure 27 – Calabazas Creek Trail ……………………………. 80 Grade-Separated Trail Underpass Construction Budget Estimate Figure 11 – BOXC Bridge Requiring an ……………………. 24 Figure 28 – Hetch Hetchy Trail ……………………………….. 82 Alternate Trail Routing Solution Construction Budget Estimate Figure 12 – VAVS Bridge Requiring an ……………………. 25 Figure 29 – Saratoga Creek Trail ……………………………... 83 Alternate Trail Routing Solution Construction Budget Estimate Figure 13 – VANS Bridge Requiring an ………………….... 26 Alternate Trail Routing Solution Figure 14 – Summary of Calabazas Creek Corridor ……… 37 Feasibility Findings Figure 15 – Highway 101 Pedestrian Overcrossing ………. 38 Plan View Figure 16 – Central Expressway Pedestrian Overcrossing... 44 Plan View Figure 17 – Caltrain Tunnel Plan View ……………………. 47 Figure 18 – Monroe Street Pedestrian and Bicycle ……….. 48 Improvements

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report TABLE OF CONTENTS

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City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report explores the potential for Aquino Creek at Monroe Street south habitat restoration elements to expanding the off-street trail system to Pruneridge Avenue. complement the trail user experience. within the City of Santa Clara (City). The study evaluates three corridors to This report analyzes the benefits and This feasibility report consists of five determine the feasibility of significance of the off-street trail chapters. An introductory page constructing creek trails along facilities to the community, examines precedes each chapter and describes Calabazas Creek, Saratoga Creek and the feasibility of building bicycle and the specific content available to the the Hetch Hetchy corridor (Three pedestrian trails along the Three reader. Corridors). This study was identified Corridors and provides budget as a priority project supporting the estimates for designing and Chapter 1 – Purpose and Benefits “Green Initiative” included in the Santa constructing the trails. The report details the goals, describes the study Clara City Council Principles and documents the public recreation, area, summarizes the study Priorities (September, 2009). This work transportation and environmental methodology and public involvement builds upon City’s successful benefits of each trail corridor. The and highlights the significance of each development of the San Tomas study evaluates the feasibility of corridor to the community. Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail and constructing the trails by establishing implementation of numerous projects criteria to measure land availability, Chapter 2 – Feasibility Criteria defines to improve the existing on-street habitat sensitivity, bridges and on- the criteria used to evaluate the bicycle transportation system. street crossings. The report indicates corridors to determine the potential for potential trail alignments and developing trails. The study areas include the entire conceptual engineering solutions to length of each of the three corridors constrained crossings for each of the Chapter 3 – Site Analysis reports the within the City limits. The Calabazas corridors. findings of the feasibility investigation Creek study area begins at the junction and proposed preliminary trail with Trail and The report excludes detailed site alignments within each of the extends just past the City limits to analyses and associated environmental corridors. Lochinvar Avenue in City of review documents, which are Sunnyvale (Sunnyvale). The Hetch appropriate for a master plan. The Chapter 4 – Budget Estimates provides Hetchy corridor begins at Ulistac report provides a comprehensive capital improvement project estimates Natural Area on the banks of the review of the trail feasibility within the for all major trail crossing structures, Guadalupe River and extends west to a three corridors. A master plan report surfacing, native plant landscaping developed segment of the Calabazas must expand upon the work initiated and site amenities necessary for Creek Trail, which includes a in this study by conducting detailed budgeting purposes. pedestrian/bicycle bridge that spans site investigations to identify precise the creek to provide access to the John locations for trail underpasses, Chapter 5 – References identifies W. Christian Greenbelt in Sunnyvale. overcrossings, tunnels, footbridges, persons, reports and literature cited in The Saratoga Creek study area extends staging areas, access points from local the preparation of the feasibility report. from the confluence with San Tomas businesses and neighborhoods and

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City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report Page ii CHAPTER 1 – PURPOSE AND BENEFITS

This feasibility study investigated the The trails are intended to provide master plan. The entire master plan potential to develop bicycle and recreation and alternative process will provide opportunities for pedestrian creek trails along transportation benefits to residents, public input. All of these planning and approximately 5.75 miles of Calabazas students and local employees. The environmental review efforts will Creek Corridor, 3.25 miles of Saratoga development of the creek trails is also include opportunities for public Creek Corridor and 1.75 miles of the intended to provide an opportunity to involvement in shaping the future Hetch Hetchy corridor. The Saratoga enhance the corridor habitats for expansion of City of Santa Clara’s Creek corridor connects with the wildlife and as a scenic open space for creek trail system. existing Trail trail users. at the confluence of the two creeks located at Monroe Street. The San The Three Corridors collectively Tomas Creek Trail extends connect Santa Clara neighborhoods to approximately four miles to the San twelve city parks, four regional Francisco Bay Trail just north of recreation facilities, ten K-12 schools Highway 237. The study furthers the and Mission College. The trails will Santa Clara Bicycle and Pedestrian link to the Network Goals and Policies adopted as providing access to regional open part of the 2010-2035 Santa Clara space lands and parks ringing the General Plan. These goals and policies bayfront. The routes provide direct encourage the development of a access to the Great America Train bicycle and pedestrian network that Station serving the Capital Corridor supports the use of alternative modes and Altamont Commuter Express of transportation. (ACE) trains. The Old Ironsides and Reamwood Light Rail Stations are Chapter 1 explains the purpose of located on the routes. A short spur trail conducting the study, introduces the could serve the Caltrain Lawrence Three Corridors, highlights the project Station. goals and describes the study methodology and public outreach The feasibility study is the first step in effort. This chapter details the benefits the creek trail planning process. The and significance of the trail corridors to next steps in creek trail planning will the community. The recreation, be the preparation of a creek trail transportation and environmental master plan that will be evaluated The Saratoga Creek Trail may connect benefits of expanding the creek trail under the California Environmental with the existing San Tomas Aquino Creek network are presented in this chapter. Quality Act (CEQA). The findings in Trail. Goals were established to guide the this feasibility study will provide assessment of the Three Corridors and significant background documentation selection of potential trail alignments. for this comprehensive creek trail

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report Chapter 1 – Page 1 CHAPTER 1 – PURPOSE AND BENEFITS

PURPOSE The communities of Sunnyvale, routes under study are considered Cupertino and San Jose border Santa connector trails that link urban areas to This feasibility study investigates the Clara. the countywide regional and sub- potential for developing trails along regional trail network. Three Corridors in City of Santa Clara. The area evaluated in this feasibility The creek trails would implement one report includes the entire length of portion of the City’s Bicycle and each of the Three Corridors within the Pedestrian Network that is intended to City. All of the corridors are narrow provide connections between slivers of the landscape confined by neighborhoods, employment centers, adjacent development. The Calabazas schools, recreation sites and transit Creek corridor extends approximately facilities. A fully developed bicycle and 5.75 miles. The Hetch Hetchy corridor pedestrian network will offer viable runs 1.75 miles. Saratoga Creek alternatives to the automobile resulting extends south approximately 3.25 in fewer car trips, reduced greenhouse miles from the confluence with San gas emissions and options for Tomas Aquino Creek from which the recreation that support community trail extends north to connect with the health. San Francisco Bay Trail (See Map 1 – Study Area Map). REGIONAL SETTING All three of the trail corridors under The City of Santa Clara is situated on study are included in the 1995 Santa the southern end of San Francisco Bay. Clara Countywide Trails Master Plan The city limits are defined by the (County of Santa Clara, 1995). The Guadalupe River to the east and entire length of Saratoga Creek and the Calabazas Creek to the west. The San Hetch Hetchy corridor within Santa Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Clara are included in this regional trail drainage flows through the heart of the plan. A portion of Calabazas Creek community. These three watersheds from the San Francisco Bay Trail to the are unique natural resources that flow Hetch Hetchy corridor is also included to South San Francisco Bay. The Hetch in the plan. Most connector trail routes Hetchy aqueduct, which brings water included in the regional trail plan were derived from city trail plans in existence from the Sierra Nevada, enters the City from the east and extends west passing when the 1995 Santa Clara Countywide Map 1 – Study Area Map beneath all three of the local streams. Trails Master Plan was adopted. The The creek corridors offer north-south countywide trail plan includes three routes while the Hetch Hetchy corridor definitions of trail types: regional, sub- provides an east-west connector route. regional and connector trails. All three

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report Chapter 1 – Page 2 CHAPTER 1 – PURPOSE AND BENEFITS

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN NETWORK GOALS AND POLICIES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN NETWORK GOALS AND POLICIES The feasibility study is guided by the Santa Clara Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Goals and Policies adopted as Goal 1 - Pedestrian and bicycle connections that are accessible throughout the City to part of the 2010-2035 General Plan. all segments of the populations. “Santa Clara’s Mobility and Transportation goals and policies Goal 2 - A bicycle and pedestrian network that provides links from neighborhoods to support connected networks that public amenities and destinations. facilitates pedestrian, bicycle and Goal 3 - Walking and bicycling as alternatives to driving to reduce vehicle commute vehicular movement throughout the and non-commute trips and to improve community health. City” (Santa Clara, 2010, pp. 1-17). Development of any of the three Policy 1 - Provide a comprehensive, integrated bicycle and pedestrian network that is corridors evaluated in this study will accessible for all community members. implement a number of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Goals and Policies Policy 2 - Provide a system of pedestrian and bicycle friendly facilities that supports (See Figure 1 - Bicycle and Pedestrian the use of alternative travel modes and connects to activity centers as well as Network Goals and Policies). The residential, office and mixed-use developments. corridors offer opportunities for developing creek trails that are Policy 3 - Link City pedestrian and bicycle circulation to existing and planned separated from automobile traffic. regional networks.

These types of bicycling facilities Policy 6 - Require new development to connect individual sites with existing and support all bicycling abilities and may planned bicycle and pedestrian facilities, as well as with on-site and neighborhood therefore encourage an increase in amenities/services, to promote alternative modes of transportation. bicycling and walking. Policy 9 - Encourage pedestrian- and bicycle-oriented amenities, such as bicycle racks, benches, signalized mid-block crosswalks, and bus benches or enclosures.

Policy 11 - Provide pedestrian crossings that are well marked using measures, such as audio/visual warnings, bulb-outs and median refuges, to improve safety.

Policy 12 - Include pedestrian and bicycle facilities when making improvements or modification to railroad crossings, grade separations, interchanges and freeways.

Figure 1 – Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Goals and Policies (Santa Clara, 2010, pp. 5-100 – 5-101).

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FEASIBILITY STUDY GOALS

The feasibility study goals include F EASIBILITY S TUDY G OALS coordination with all jurisdictions and encourage public participation in the planning process. As a result, the preliminary trail alignments have been ◆ Identify preliminary trail alignment alternatives that maximize the use presented to diverse audiences and of public and quasi-public lands and minimize encroachment on private will continue to be evaluated during property. the public review of the feasibility ◆ Plan preliminary trail alignments that strengthen the pedestrian and bicycle report (See Figure 2 - Feasibility Study network by connecting to regional routes, alternative travel modes and Goals). activity centers.

◆ Preserve and restore the natural environment of the creek corridors for the enjoyment of trail users and as habitat for wildlife.

◆ Identify trail alignments that maximize year-round use.

◆ Enhance the trail corridors by planting locally native vegetation and including trail amenities such as drinking water, benches and signage.

◆ Plan trails that are easy to maintain.

◆ Provide trail alignments along the creek corridors that provide opportunities for passive recreation and alternative transportation.

◆ Design trail alignments that integrate as many public facilities (schools, parks, transportation systems and open space preserves, etc.) as possible.

◆ Maximize linkages to other trail systems and trail segments.

◆ Develop trail alignments that coordinate the goals and needs of all The Santa Clara Valley Water District public agencies. levee northwest of Central Expressway may provide opportunity for a trail. ◆ Engage the community in the trail planning process.

◆ Seek opportunities for collaboration and partnership projects. Figure 2 – Feasibility Study Goals

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STUDY METHODOLOGY Department, Mission College and OUTREACH TO AGENCIES Wilcox High School as the preliminary The trail feasibility study began in June Background information pertinent to trail alignments are further 2010 with technical evaluations of the three study areas was reviewed in investigated in the master plan phase. various site conditions. These an effort to become familiar with the feasibility investigations included projects and processes that created the The Calabazas Creek Corridor was assessments of the biological resources, existing opportunities and constraints divided into three segments and the geotechnical and engineering present along corridors. Significant Saratoga Creek Corridor into two constraints associated with the stream time was spent directly observing field segments to facilitate the presentation banks and roadway bridges and the conditions. Site visits were conducted of the feasibility findings. Hetch traffic engineering issues associated to assess corridor feasibility and gather Hetchy Corridor is presented as a with at-grade roadway crossings. The additional data needed to refine single segment. The segments vary by technical investigations required input conceptual engineering solutions to size and begin and end at natural from agencies with ownership or constrained areas. During the termini that are likely to be used in jurisdiction along the three study fieldwork, information was gathered developing future construction corridors. Technical meetings were on constraints to creek trail phasing limits. The six study segments held with SCVWD, SMCTD, the development including land include: administrative body for Caltrain, availability, roadway and creek ◆ Calabazas Creek Corridor–Section 1 PG&E and Sunnyvale. The results of crossings, habitat sensitivity and SF Bay Trail to Highway 101 these technical assessments are applied institutional issues associated with throughout this report. land managing agencies. Preliminary ◆ Calabazas Creek Corridor–Section 2 trail alignment alternatives were Highway 101 to Monroe Street COMMUNITY MEETINGS identified and presented to the agencies with jurisdiction along ◆ Calabazas Creek Corridor–Section 3 Santa Clara hosted two community corridors and adjacent lands. Monroe Street to Lochinvar Avenue meetings to gather input on the Conceptual engineering solutions to preliminary findings and potential trail constrained areas of the corridors were ◆ Hetch Hetchy Corridor – Ulistac alignments. The first meeting was held further evaluated and brought forward Natural Area to Calabazas Creek at the Central Park Library and was for preliminary discussions with intended to attract area residents. The ◆ Saratoga Creek Corridor – Section 1 impacted agencies including Santa second meeting was held at the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), Monroe Staging Area to El Camino Clara Convention Center and was Real targeted to attract business and San Mateo County Transit District (SMCTD), administrative body for ◆ Saratoga Creek Corridor – Section 2 industry representatives. Comments Caltrain, Pacific Gas and Electric El Camino Real to Forbes Avenue and suggestions from meeting Company (PG&E) and the City of participants were addressed during the Sunnyvale. Future outreach will also meeting, researched and responded to be necessary with Caltrans, Santa Clara in meeting minutes and incorporated County Roads and Airports into this report.

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report Chapter 1 – Page 5 CHAPTER 1 – PURPOSE AND BENEFITS

BENEFITS AND SIGNIFICANCE providing access to other open space Hetchy corridor is also included in the The 2010-2035 Santa Clara General and regional parks ringing the regional trail plan (Route C-3). Plan identifies all three areas evaluated bayfront. The routes provide direct for the potential to accommodate access to Great America Train Station The San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga bicycle and pedestrian trails as serving the Capital Corridor and Creek Trail is recognized regionally by corridors for future study in the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) the Association of Bay Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Network trains. The Old Ironsides and Governments (ABAG) as a connector Diagram (Santa Clara, 2010, pp. 5-93). Reamwood Light Rail Stations are trail to the San Francisco Bay Trail Plan The creek corridors offer north-south located on the routes. A short spur trail (ABAG, 1989). The inclusion of these routes while the Hetch Hetchy corridor could serve the Caltrain Lawrence trail corridors in many regional and provides an east-west route linking the Station (See Figure 3 – Summary of Parks, local plans further points to the Guadalupe River Parkway, San Tomas Schools and Attractions by Corridor). significance these recreation and Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail and transportation routes will play as a Calabazas Creek Trail. The Three INCLUSION IN REGIONAL PLANS part of Santa Clara’s bicycle and Corridors offer the potential to expand pedestrian network. off-street routes through the City. Saratoga Creek was first identified as a Typically, these off-street facilities streamside corridor of regional RECREATION BENEFITS provide easy routes that accommodate significance more than 30 years ago the widest range of bicycling abilities. and was included in the Parks, Trails The Three Corridors will make a These off-street trails include grade- and Scenic Highways Element of the significant contribution toward separated crossings that minimize Santa Clara County General Plan expanding the walking and bicycling cross traffic with automobiles and (Santa Clara County, 1980). This creek opportunities in the City of Santa provide pleasant bicycling and has more recently been considered a Clara. Residents and employees will walking experiences. All three stream corridor of importance and is benefit from improved pedestrian and corridors will enhance walkability, identified as a connector trail in the bicycle access to parks and open spaces support bicycling and provide places 1995 Santa Clara Countywide Trails and new opportunities to walk and within the City to experience the Master Plan. The entire length of the bicycle to work and school along the natural environment. San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek corridors. The trails will provide Trail is considered a connector trail convenient locations throughout the The corridors under study collectively (Route C-5). The Hetch Hetchy city for fitness activities and for connect Santa Clara neighborhoods to corridor is included in this regional meeting neighbors. The open space twelve city parks, four regional trail plan (Route C-4). The portion of land along the creek corridors will recreation facilities, ten K-12 schools Calabazas Creek extending from the offer opportunities for wildlife and Mission College. The trail will link San Francisco Bay Trail to the Hetch viewing, photography and other forms to the San Francisco Bay Trail of nature exploration and relaxation.

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S UMMARY OF P ARKS, S CHOOLS AND A TTRACTIONS BY C ORRIDOR

Calabazas Creek Hetch Hetchy Saratoga Creek Bowers Park Central Park John W. Christian Greenbelt Earl Carmichael Park Homeridge Park City Parks and Lick Mill Park John W. Christian Greenbelt Lou Vierra Ball Field Natural Areas Ulistac Natural Area Machado Park Maywood Park

Santa Clara Teen Center and Skate Park Via the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail: Sunnyvale Baylands Park Regional Parks Guadalupe River Parkway Alviso County Park Twin Creeks Sports Complex Don Edwards San Francisco Bay and Trails Calabazas Creek Trail San Francisco Bay Trail National Wildlife Refuge San Francisco Bay Trail Briarwood Elementary Challenger School Bowers Elementary School Delphi Cabrillo Middle School Schools Pomeroy Elementary Mission College Milliken Elementary School Santa Clara High School Sutter Elementary School Wilcox High School Mission College Caltrain - Lawrence Station Capital Corridor and ACE Trains VTA Light Rail - Great America Station VTA Bus Transit Corridors - Reamwood Station VTA Light Rail - El Camino Real BRT VTA Bus - Old Ironsides Station - El Camino Real BRT 49ers Stadium International Swim Center Recreation Great America Theme Park Lawn Bowling AMC Mercado Theatres Attractions Santa Clara Golf and Tennis Club Santa Clara Library Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park Tennis Centers

Figure 3 – Summary of Parks, Schools and Attractions by Corridor

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CONNECTIONS TO REGIONAL TRAILS TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS AND PARKS The Three Corridors will enhance and The environmental conditions along The Calabazas Creek and the San expand the alternative transportation the corridors should be enhanced by Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek opportunities for residents, students the development of the trails. Trail corridors extend into residential and employees. The routes will projects provide opportunities to neighborhoods. The Hetch Hetchy connect with all four passenger rail restore habitat resources and decrease corridor links with neighborhoods in lines serving the South Bay. the dependency on the automobile as a the northeast portion of Santa Clara Alternative commute options will also primary form of local transportation. including the more recently be expanded through connections to The construction of the trails should constructed Rivermark Development. the Santa Clara Valley Transportation include the installation of native plants These corridors will provide residents Authority (VTA) bus routes. All VTA to increase the habitat available for with routes separated from automobile buses are now equipped with bicycle wildlife and to create an inviting place traffic that extend to the San Francisco racks. This will facilitate bus-bike trips in which to recreate and commute on Bay Trail. The Bay Trail provides to and from work and school. The foot and by bicycle. access to open space lands, athletic corridors will also offer more facilities, interpretive centers and trails opportunities for Safe Routes to at Sunnyvale Baylands Park, Twin Schools by linking with ten K-12 ENHANCEMENT OF Creeks, Alviso County Park and Don schools and Mission College. NATURAL RESOURCES Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. The transportation benefits afforded by The creek corridors offer those rare CONNECTIONS TO CITY PARKS, the trails must be balanced with need locations within the built environment RECREATION FACILITIES to preserve creekside habitat values. where riparian and wetland habitats AND ATTRACTIONS Transportation grant funding often can be preserved and enhanced for requires that trail facilities be available wildlife and offer human visitors a The Three Corridors will provide to the public 24 hours per day. This connection to the natural world. The children and families with access to operational requirement directly trail projects may also inspire twelve city parks and natural areas conflicts with the habitat values of the residents, local employees and within ¼ mile of the routes. The trails creekside environment by potentially government staff to work together to will provide direct access to the City’s triggering a need for nighttime enhance the corridors through the Teen Center and Skate Park, Santa lighting. This conflict should be installation of native shrubs and trees Clara Youth Soccer Park, Santa Clara addressed in all grant applications and on all lands that lie directly adjacent to Golf & Tennis Club and International creekside habitats should not be the creek. The addition of indigenous Swim Center. The trails will link to required to provide nighttime lighting flora would enhance the integrity and Great America Theme Park, AMC along the length of the trail. biodiversity of Santa Clara creek Mercado 20 Movie Theatre and the corridors. All trail construction projects City’s Convention Center and Stadium. should include a habitat enhancement component that includes native plant

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report Chapter 1 – Page 8 CHAPTER 1 – PURPOSE AND BENEFITS landscaping, irrigation, maintenance significant source of emissions due to mitigate the air quality impacts of and monitoring to ensure that the goal the "cold start" problem. There is a large-scale development projects of enhancing the creek corridors is higher rate of emissions during the (BAAQMD, 2005). BAAQMD in being achieved simultaneously with first few miles of driving because the cooperation with the Metropolitan the development of the trail. catalytic converter does not function Transportation Commission (MTC) well when first started. and Association of Bay Area IMPROVED AIR QUALITY Governments (ABAG) has established The corridors could eliminate auto Transportation Control Measures Motor vehicles are responsible for the trips by providing convenient routes (TCM) as part of a broad strategy to roughly 75% of all trips the in the Bay for students traveling to ten K-12 make progress toward meeting State Area. Walking and bicycling schools and Mission College. The ozone standards. These TCMs will also transportation trips eliminate auto connection to the bus lines will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, gasoline pumping or oil facilitate intermodal commuting to emissions. In Particular, refining releases and produce zero those sites located a greater distance carbon dioxide or other greenhouse from the trails. Elimination of even ♦ TCM 5 – Improved Access to Rail gases that contribute to the global short auto trips (dropping the children and Ferries warming problem. The expansion of at school, picking up the mail, getting ♦ TCM 9 – Improve Bicycle Access the trail network may encourage more milk at the local grocery store) through and Facilities individuals to walk and bicycle to the use of the trail and/or bus system ♦ TCM 10 – Youth Transport work sites, schools and shops. will help to improve air quality. According to the 1995 Nationwide ♦ TCM 19 – Improve Pedestrian Personal Transportation Study, 40% of The Bay Area Air Quality Management Access and Facilities all trips are two miles or less, and two- District (BAAQMD) suggests that the thirds are five miles or less. One-third construction of an efficient bicycle and will be implemented with the of Bay Area employees live within five pedestrian circulation system can construction of these trails (BAAQMD, miles of their worksites. Bicycles are a decrease the dependence on the 2005, pp. D-15 – D-19, D-27 – D-32, D- convenient means of transportation for automobile by 2%. The development of 64 – D-66). these short and medium distance trips. bicycle and pedestrian facilities is often Short motor vehicle trips are a recommended as one strategy to

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This chapter describes the criteria used mitigation projects and preservation underpasses allow the trail alignment to evaluate the feasibility of efforts undertaken along the channels to be grade-separated from roadway developing trails adjacent to Calabazas were also evaluated for implications to automobile traffic. The bridge and Saratoga Creeks and along the trail development. The type and structures are categorized according to Hetch Hetchy corridor. Land quality of the habitats along the creek the ability to accommodate a trail availability, habitat sensitivity, corridors are summarized in this underpass suitable for year-round roadway and creek crossings and on- chapter. pedestrian and bicycle passage. A few street routes and crossings were high volume roadways could not reviewed to determine the accommodate trail underpasses. In opportunities and constraints to trail these areas, the potential for development. The results of these site pedestrian/bicycle overcrossings was analyses were then used to develop the explored. Conceptual engineering preliminary trail alignments described solutions for retrofitting the bridges to in Chapter 3. support underpasses and developing overcrossings are detailed in this Land availability explored property chapter. These design concepts are ownership and land use and compared integrated into the preliminary trail this information to the land needed to alignments described in Chapter 3. construct a trail. The amount of land necessary to develop a trail was based In areas where the trail could not be upon various trail design guidelines aligned along the creek due to lack of and the operations and maintenance land availability, sensitive habitat, requirements of the Santa Clara Valley constrained roadway crossings or Water District (SCVWD). The other factors, an on-street alignment is guidelines used to determine adequate proposed to connect segments of the trail width included the Caltrans trail. The criteria for evaluating on- Highway Design Manual: Chapter street routes are explained in the 1000 (California Department of chapter. Transportation, 2012) and the Santa

Clara Countywide Trails Master Plan - Design and Management Guidelines Calabazas Creek flowing beneath Highway (County of Santa Clara, 1995). 101 and Mission College Boulevard.

The habitat sensitivity of the two creek Existing roadway bridges were corridors was evaluated through field individually evaluated for the potential surveys and a review of the federal to create in-channel underpasses that and state listed species that have the would maintain the trail alignment potential to occur in the area. Previous within the corridor. In-channel

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LAND AVAILABILITY trail access in designated corridors. The portion of Calabazas Creek from This study proposes creek trails on the San Francisco Bay Trail to the The intent of this study was to evaluate private property subject to Hetch Hetchy corridor is included in the feasibility of developing the creek development agreements. the plan. It should be noted that most trails on existing public lands or on connector trail routes were derived lands that are subject to discretionary Trail design guidelines were reviewed from City trail plans in existence when development approvals. The land to determine if sufficient public land the countywide plan was adopted. The along the creek corridors is primarily existed to accommodate construction Santa Clara Countywide Trails Master owned by the SCVWD and the City. of the trails. Guidelines established by Plan also includes three definitions of The Hetch Hetchy corridor is owned the Caltrans and the Santa Clara trail types. They include regional, sub- by the San Francisco Public Utilities County Parks and Recreation regional and connector trails. These Commission (SFPUC), which is a Department (County Parks) were used definitions specify the purposes served public agency of the City and County to determine the land availability by the various trail types. All three of San Francisco. Other public or quasi- requirement. Caltrans defines three routes under study are considered public agencies control additional types of trail facilities each with connector trails that link urban areas to parcels of land along these corridors. specific trail dimensions. Class I Bike the countywide regional and sub- These agencies include California Paths are located off-street and Class II regional trail network (See Figure 4). Department of Transportation Bike Lanes and Class III Bike Routes (Caltrans), Santa Clara County Roads are located within the roadway right- & Airports Department (County of-way. A Class I Bicycle Pathway Roads), Peninsula Corridor Joint serves the exclusive use of pedestrians Powers Board and Union Pacific and bicyclists and is defined as a right- Railroad. In general, the creek trail of-way completely separated from alignments are proposed within these motor vehicle street and highway public and quasi-public lands. traffic (Caltrans, Highway Design Manual: Chapter 1000, 2009). The Santa Clara has been working to minimum trail width for a Class I implement a long-range strategy for Bicycle Pathway is 8 feet with enhancing walkability and expanding minimum 2-foot shoulders on each and improving the bicycle facility side of the trail. network. This undertaking has included negotiations with property All three of the trail corridors under owners seeking discretionary study are included in the Santa Clara development approvals. The resulting Countywide Trails Master Plan development agreements have (County of Santa Clara, 1995). The required the dedication of land for entire length of Saratoga Creek and the open space preservation and public Hetch Hetchy corridor within the City Narrow top of bank along Saratoga Creek of Santa Clara are in this regional plan. limits trail potential.

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Santa Clara County's Trail Easement Dedication Policies and Practices S ANTA C LARA C OUNTY T RAIL D EFINITIONS usually require a 25-foot wide easement to accommodate trail development in the urban service areas (County of Santa Clara, 1992). The 25- Regional Trail Routes are those trails of National, State or regional recreation foot wide easement is intended to significance. In all cases, Regional trail routes extend beyond the borders of Santa include the trail tread, shoulders, privacy setback and habitat Clara County. Regional Trails are generally envisioned as shared-use trail routes enhancements or landscaping. This in that they would accommodate a variety of trail users. In some instances, where easement width would be necessary topography and other physical constraints dictate, separate trails along the same when designing for a multi-use path.

general trail route may be needed to accommodate different users. Trail Design Guidelines are included as Sub-Regional Trail Routes are those that in some way: an appendix to the 1995 Santa Clara Countywide Trails Master Plan. These ◆ Provide regional recreation and transportation benefits such as providing key guidelines suggest "trail tread widths links for accessing rail stations, bus routes or park-and-ride facilities; should be determined by the amount and intensity of trail use and field ◆ Provide for continuity between cities; generally crossing a city or passing conditions such as topography, through more than one city; or vegetation and sensitivity of ◆ Provide convenient long-distance trail loop opportunities by directly linking environmental resources” (County of two or more Regional Trail to create an urban trail network. Santa Clara, 1995, Chapter 5, p. 70). Several of the Trail Design Guidelines have application for evaluating the Connector Trail Routes are those that: feasibility of developing trails in the ◆ Form convenient means of access and linkages from urban areas, developed three study corridors. Countywide Trails Master Plan Guideline G-2 – areas, and public lands within the county to the primary trail network of Shared Use Trail – Paved Tread Double Regional and Sub-Regional Trails. Track recommends that a trail serving multiple uses meet an optimum width of 12 feet and provide a hard paved Figure 4 – 1995 Santa Clara Countywide Trails Master Plan Definitions (County of Santa surface to accommodate this multi-use. Clara, 1995, pp. 40-46). In situations where uses are limited, tread width is narrowed. Although these guidelines establish very specific tread width and surfacing types, they

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report Chapter 2 – Page 13 CHAPTER 2 – FEASIBILITY CRITERIA do not set a standard. They are simply Quadrangles. Field surveys were (Salix laevigata) that are interspersed one perspective for evaluating the simultaneously conducted during the with box elder (Acer negundo), white feasibility of trail development. land availability assessment of the alder (Alnus rhombifolia), Fremont Ultimately, any trail must be designed corridors. The field surveys were cottonwood (Populus fremontii), blue to accommodate the intended trail use conducted to determine the location elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) and and intensity planned for each study and extent of habitats. other willow species (Salix spp.). The corridor. location of the study area, in the upper A variety habitat types were found in end of the tidal range, restricts the In addition to Caltrans and the Santa the three study corridors. The habitats range of these plant communities. Clara County recommendations, include brackish marsh, freshwater SCVWD maintains guidelines for wetlands, in-stream habitat, oak- maintenance access through the creek sycamore riparian forest, ruderal corridors. These guidelines grassland, landscaped parks and recommend a minimum 20 to 22 foot schools and residential development. clearance for maintenance vehicle Of these habitat types, the brackish movement along the creek channels. marsh, riparian forest, freshwater These guidelines are important wetlands and in-stream habitat are because in many areas both trail users considered sensitive by the resource and maintenance vehicles would likely agencies, either because they support travel the same pathway. rare species or because the habitats are protected by law.

HABITAT SENSITIVITY HABITATS ALONG CALABAZAS CREEK CORRIDOR An assessment of biological resources was conducted to evaluate the habitat Highway 237 to Highway 101 sensitivity and the presence of rare, Red Willow Thickets/Brackish Marsh threatened and endangered species throughout the study corridors. The Calabazas Creek is tidally influenced Brackish Marsh at Highway 237. bioassessment included a review of from Guadalupe Slough to species known to or having the approximately Highway 101. Earthen potential to occur within the study levees channelize the creek from corridors based on a search of the Highway 101 downstream to Highway California Natural Diversity Database 237. The channel bottom is natural and the California Native Plant Society gravel and bay mud that supports a Inventory within the Milpitas brackish marsh comprised of bulrush (37121D8) and San Jose West (37121C8) and cattail species. The channel U.S. Geological Service 7.5-Minute floodplain hosts red willow thickets

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Highway 101 to Lawrence Expressway contains patches of in-stream (Quercus agrifolia), valley oak (Quercus Concrete Lined Channel freshwater wetlands. lobata), white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), red willow (Salix laevigata) and arroyo Calabazas Creek is a concrete lined HABITATS ALONG willow (Salix lasiolepsis). channel from Highway 101 upstream SARATOGA CREEK CORRIDOR to Lawrence Expressway. The concrete prevents vegetation from establishing Confluence with San Tomas Aquino in the bottom of the channel or on the Creek to Pruneridge Avenue channel banks. Various tree species Sycamore Riparian Forest with have been planted along the SCVWD In-stream Freshwater Wetlands - property line and some of these trees A SCVWD Vegetation Preserve have matured sufficiently to provide some shade to the stream. Calabazas In the 1980’s SCVWD undertook a Boulevard travel lanes are split with flood control project along Saratoga opposite directions of travel located on Creek. This project included widening either side of Calabazas Creek from and armoring of the channel to create Georgetown Place to Pomeroy Avenue. additional flood flow capacity. The In this section of the creek, a small creek banks were rebuilt using gabions planting pocket was left on either bank and inset concrete planters. to provide a tree-lined boulevard. The Revegetation efforts were plantings include nonnative implemented within the inset planters eucalyptus trees and oleander shrubs. and along the remaining, very narrow top of bank located behind backyard Lawrence Expressway fences. The entire corridor from the to Homestead Road confluence with San Tomas Aquino Sycamore Riparian Forest with Creek to Pruneridge Avenue was In-stream Freshwater Wetlands designated “vegetation preserve” or “vegetation enhancement” areas and Looking downstream toward Homestead Upstream of Lawrence Expressway, provided environmental mitigation to Road from Homeridge Park. the creek corridor is wider and offset the flood control project impacts. unchannelized. The upper banks The corridor receives storm flows and support California sycamore woodland Saratoga Creek corridor is urban runoff. The creek bottom is (Sawyer, 2009). This plant community characterized by a replanted California gravel throughout most of the channel includes California sycamore (Platanus sycamore woodland (Sawyer, 2009). and contains patches of in-stream racemosa), Fremont cottonwood This plant community includes freshwater wetlands. These isolated (Populus fremontii) and a large number California sycamore (Platanus wetlands are likely maintained of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) racemosa), Fremont cottonwood through the year by irrigation water trees. The creek bottom is gravel and (Populus fremontii), coast live oak

City of Santa Clara Creek Trail Network Expansion Feasibility Report Chapter 2 – Page 15 CHAPTER 2 – FEASIBILITY CRITERIA that reaches the storm water system and upstream releases by SCVWD for groundwater recharge that flow to the creek. These wetlands and deep in channel pools provide habitat for Pacific chorus frogs and many stream invertebrates.

HABITATS ALONG HETCH HETCHY CORRIDOR

Guadalupe River to Lickmill Blvd. Ulistac Natural Area

Ulistac Natural Area represents the last open space in the City of Santa Clara. The area was formerly a pear orchard, then a golf course and was later slated for development. The site was preserved in 1997 and community driven restoration efforts have been underway since. The community’s goal is to have the site represent many of the habitats that were previously The Hetch Hetchy corridor is landscaped and integrated into Lick Mill Park. found in Santa Clara. Currently, the site supports a developing oak green backdrop to the surrounding residential neighborhoods. savannah, live oak woodland, Lafayette Street to San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail to Calabazas Creek Trail deciduous oak woodland and Ruderal Grassland and Roadways and Parking Lots grassland. The community has plans to restore a wetland, sycamore woodland The Hetch Hetchy right of way is undeveloped from Lafayette Street to the levee and riparian woodland. along San Tomas Aquino Creek. A ruderal grassland of primarily nonnative grasses and forbs grow in this area. The Hetch Hetchy right of way from San Tomas Aquino Lickmill Boulevard to Lafayette Street Creek to Calabazas Creek is covered by roadways and the parking lots associated Landscaped Park with the Great America theme park and the technology corporations located in north of Highway 101. No vegetation is present in these areas. The Hetch Hetchy right of way functions as part of Lick Mill Park. The park is landscaped with turf grass and ornamental trees. The park provides a

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Special Status Species The most important biological constraints to the trail alignment revolve around these rare species and habitats. The recommendations provided in the biological assessment Based upon the field surveys and the report are designed to avoid impacts to natural resources and minimize the need for review of the databases, 25 special- environmental permits. status animals have been documented within a five-mile radius of the study corridors. Of these, 7 were eliminated from further consideration due to the Wildlife Species with Potential to Occur in the Study Corridors lack of suitable habitat in the corridors to support the species. Figure 5 Central California Coast Steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss identifies the 18 species that are known to occur or have the potential to occur Western Pond Turtle Actinemys marmorata due to potentially suitable habitat for American Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus these species. Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus

Rare species documented or expected California Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus to occur in the two creek corridors California Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris obsoletus include steelhead trout, western pond Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii turtle, Cooper’s hawk and other birds Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos of prey and various bat species. Species that have the potential to occur in the Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus downstream reaches of Calabazas Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Creek and the adjacent marshes Saltmarsh Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas sinuosa include the California black rail, Tri-colored Blackbird Agelaius tricolor clapper rail, northern harrier, saltmarsh common yellowthroat, tri- Western Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia hypugaea colored blackbird, salt marsh harvest Western Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus mouse and the salt marsh wandering White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus shrew. In the remaining open space lands and undeveloped portions of the Pallid Bat Antrozous pallidus Hetch Hetchy corridor loggerhead Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys raviventris shrike, western burrowing owl and Salt Marsh Wandering Shrew Sorex vagrans halicoetes other raptors could be observed. Figure 5 – Wildlife species with the potential to occur within the three study corridors.

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ROADWAY BRIDGES AND CREEK CROSSINGS

Nineteen roadway bridges span Calabazas Creek and eleven roadway bridges span Saratoga Creek within the study area. Each of these bridges was individually investigated to determine the feasibility of providing a grade-separated crossing that maintained an uninterrupted trail alignment adjacent to the stream corridor. In addition, four pedestrian/bicycle bridges on Calabazas Creek and three on Saratoga Creek were evaluated for use in the trail alignments. The roadway bridges were dimensioned and categorized according to the existing design. A total of six different bridge types were identified. Of these, only three types have the potential to be modified to accommodate an in-channel underpass (see list below). The remaining bridge styles require a different type of grade-separated crossing such as a tunnel or pedestrian overcrossing or the use of an at-grade street crossing to accommodate the trail alignments. A summary of the bridge types and the potential engineering solutions that retain the channel capacity at each crossing conveys the feasibility of maintaining the trail within corridors (See Figures 6 and 7). The 100-year water surface elevations at the potentially feasible underpass crossings were evaluated. Further review of the projected storm releases and water surface elevations at these structures Trail underpass at Tasman Drive on the will be required through the creek trail master plan. San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail. Bridge Types Accommodating an In-Channel Trail Underpass TFVS – Tapered to Flat Abutment to Vertical Bridge Support Structure

TFNS – Tapered to Flat Abutment to No Interior Support Structure

TANS – Tapered Abutment to No Interior Support Structure

Bridge Types Requiring Alternative Trail Solutions

BOXC – Typical Box Culvert

VAVS – Vertical Abutment with Vertical Wall Structures VANS – Vertical Abutment with No Interior Support Structures

The Hetch Hetchy Corridor crosses San Tomas Aquino Creek and Calabazas Creek. Existing bridges are available to convey trail users across these streams. The Hetch Hetchy Corridor also extends beneath the Union Pacific Railroad lines that serve the ACE and Capital Corridor commuter trains, Lick Mill Boulevard, Lafayette Street, Great America Parkway and several other smaller roadways. Each of these crossings was evaluated in this study.

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Calabazas Creek Corridor Grade-Separated Crossing Feasibility Summary

Use Existing New New Underpass New New Bridge Name Bridge Type In-Channel In-Channel At-Grade Feasibility Tunnel Overcrossing Underpass Underpass Crossing Highway 237 TFVS Yes P Old Mountain View-Alviso Road TFVP Yes P Tasman Drive TAVS Yes P Highway 101 VAVS No P Scott Boulevard TANS Yes P Central Expressway BOXC w/BOW No P Kifer Road TFNS w/BOW Some P Caltrain BOXC w/BOW No P Monroe Street VAVS w/BOW No P Calabazas Boulevard BOW No P Machado Avenue TANS Yes P Cabrillo Avenue VAVS w/BOW No P Warburton Avenue VAVS Yes P Bridge North of El Camino Real VAVS w/BOW No P El Camino Real VANS No P Pomeroy Avenue BOXC w/BOW No P Benton Street TANS No P Lawrence Expressway BOXC w/BOW No P Lochinvar Avenue VAVS w/BOW No P

Figure 6 – Summary of Grade-Separated Crossing Feasibility along Calabazas Creek (See Bridge Type abbreviations on Page 18).

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Saratoga Creek Corridor Grade-Separated Crossing Feasibility Summary

Use Existing New New Underpass New New Bridge Name Bridge Type In-Channel In-Channel At-Grade Feasibility Tunnel Overcrossing Underpass Underpass Crossing Monroe Street VANS No Existing Cabrillo Avenue TANS Some P Warburton Avenue VANS No P El Camino Real VANS No P Benton Street TANS Some P Kiely Boulevard TANS Some P Homestead Road TANS Some P Forbes Avenue VANS No P Pruneridge Avenue VANS No P Lawrence Expressway On-ramp BOXC No P Stevens Creek Boulevard BOXC No P

Figure 7 – Summary of Grade-Separated Crossing Feasibility along Saratoga Creek (See Bridge Type abbreviations on Page 18).

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BRIDGE TYPES ACCOMMODATING AN IN-CHANNEL TRAIL UNDERPASS

Three bridge types can potentially be modified to accommodate a grade- separated underpass within the creek channel. A sketch of each bridge type identifies the design concept associated with retrofitting these structures to accommodate a creekside trail. The names of the roadways associated with each bridge structure are listed under each of the bridge cross-sections (See Figures 8, 9 and 10). Trail underpasses are anticipated to flood during storm events. Downstream underpasses may also be impacted by the tidal cycle.

Tapered to Flat Abutment to Vertical

Bridge Support (TFVS) Structures Roadways with Tapered to Flat Abutment to

The tapered abutment to vertical Vertical Bridge Support (TFVS) Structure support bridge is found in the downstream reaches of Calabazas Calabazas Creek Creek at Highway 237, Old Mountain Highway 237 View-Alviso Road and Tasman Drive. Old Mountain View-Alviso Road All of these bridges have sufficient Tasman Drive clearance to support the development of trail underpasses. Much of the grading to create a trail has been completed beneath these structures to Figure 8 – TFVS Bridge accommodating a grade-separated trail underpass. provide the SCVWD with maintenance access (See Figure 8). The City of Sunnyvale and the City of Santa Clara have a joint project underway to replace the Old Mountain View-Alviso road bridge. The new design includes a trail underpass.

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Tapered to Flat Abutment with No Interior Support (TFNS) Structures

The tapered to flat abutment with no interior support bridge is found at Kifer Road spanning Calabazas Creek and Cabrillo Avenue spanning Saratoga Creek. A trail underpass is proposed at Kifer Road although the bridge appears to have been previously retrofitted and is asymmetrical limiting the potential underpass opportunity to the west bank (See Figure 9 and Illustration 2 – Kifer Road Trail Underpass Concept on Page 45). Cabrillo Avenue provides some potential for a trail underpass, Roadways with Tapered to Flat Abutment with but the existing on-street portion of the No Interior Support (TFNS) Structure San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail extends along Cabrillo Avenue Saratoga Creek Calabazas Creek reducing the need for a trail underpass. In addition, single-family residences Cabrillo Avenue Kifer Road line the corridor downstream of this roadway limiting trail potential.

Figure 9 – TFNS Bridge accommodating a grade-separated trail underpass.

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Tapered Abutment with No Interior Support (TANS) Structures

The tapered abutment with no interior support bridge is found along both Saratoga and Calabazas Creeks. Many of these bridges have limited vertical clearance between the proposed trail and the low flow water level observed during the summer making it possible, but challenging to engineer trail underpasses. Underpasses are proposed at Scott Boulevard along Calabazas Creek and Kiely Boulevard and Homestead Road along Saratoga Roadways with Tapered Abutment with No Interior Support (TANS) Structure Creek (See Figure 10). On-street trail routing solutions are proposed in the remaining locations. Saratoga Creek Calabazas Creek

Cabrillo Avenue Scott Boulevard Benton Street Machado Avenue Kiely Boulevard Warburton Avenue Homestead Road

Figure 10 – TANS Bridge accommodating a grade-separated trail underpass.

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BRIDGE TYPES REQUIRING ALTERNATIVE TRAIL SOLUTIONS

Three bridge types cannot be modified to provide an in-channel trail alignment. A typical cross-section of each bridge type identifies the structural constraints associated with developing an in-channel trail crossing. The names of those roadways associated with each bridge type are referenced under each of the cross- sections (See Figures 11, 12 and 13).

Typical Box Culvert (BOXC) Structures

Box culvert structures are found along Calabazas Creek and at Stevens Creek Boulevard that spans Saratoga Creek (See Figure 11). Box culverts cannot be Roadways with Typical Box Culvert (BOXC) Structure modified to accommodate an in- channel underpass due to the design of Saratoga Creek Calabazas Creek the culvert. A pedestrian overcrossing is proposed at Central Expressway to Stevens Creek Boulevard Central Expressway provide for a continuous trail Calabazas Boulevard alignment connecting to the on-street Pomeroy Avenue bicycle facilities at Monroe Street and Benton Street Calabazas Boulevard (See Figure 16 – Lawrence Expressway Central Expressway Pedestrian

Overcrossing Plan View on Page 44). On- street solutions are proposed in the Figure 11 – BOXC Bridge requiring an alternate trail routing solution. remaining locations.

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Vertical Abutment with Vertical Wall (VAVS) Structures

The vertical abutment with vertical wall support bridge type is found along Calabazas Creek in six locations (See Figure 12). These locations provide no opportunity for maintaining the trail in the corridor using underpasses. An excellent opportunity for a pedestrian overcrossing exists at Highway 101. This crossing solution was investigated and appears feasible (See Illustration 1 – Highway 101 Pedestrian Overcrossing adjacent to Calabazas Creek on Page 40). It will require further consultation with adjacent agencies and additional review in the creek trail master plan. A tunnel is proposed as an alternate crossing solution of Caltrain (See Figure 17 – Caltrain Tunnel Plan View on Page Roadways with Vertical Abutment with Vertical Wall (VAVS) Structure 47). This solution also appears feasible, but will potentially require Calabazas Creek negotiations with adjacent property owners. This crossing concept will also Highway 101 require additional review in the creek Caltrain trail master plan. On-street solutions Monroe Street are proposed in the remaining VAVS Cabrillo Avenue bridge structure locations. Calabazas Bridge North of El Camino Real Lochinvar Avenue

Figure 12 – VAVS Bridge requiring an alternate trail routing solution.

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Vertical Abutment with No Interior Support (VANS) Structures

The vertical abutment with no interior support bridge is found along both Saratoga and Calabazas Creeks. Many of these bridges have limited clearance between the proposed trail and the low flow water level observed during the summer. Those bridges located along Saratoga Creek are also within the “vegetation preserve” established by the SCVWD. Any impacts to the “vegetation preserve” would likely require additional mitigation. The feasibility of modifying any of these bridges is limited by these varied constraints. On-street routing solutions Roadways with Vertical Abutment and No Interior Support (VANS) Structure are proposed in these locations (See Figure 13). Saratoga Creek Calabazas Creek

Monroe Street El Camino Real Warburton Avenue El Camino Real Forbes Avenue Pruneridge Avenue

Figure 13 – VANS Bridge requiring an alternate trail routing solution.

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ON-STREET CROSSINGS

An assessment of on-street crossings was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of crossing at-grade in areas where grade separated trail facilities were not feasible. The study evaluated particular intersections along the three study corridors. Several criteria were applied to evaluating on-street crossing solutions. On-street crossing concepts are proposed at several locations to provide continuity along each of the trail corridors. Crossing concepts are described in Chapter 3 for the following locations:

♦ Monroe Street to Calabazas Boulevard

♦ Calabazas Boulevard from Cabrillo Avenue to Monroe Street

♦ Lick Mill Boulevard to Ulistac Natural Area

♦ Old Glory Lane between Great America Parkway

and Old Ironsides Drive The Calabazas Creek Trail junction with Tasman Drive and Light Rail.

♦ Patrick Henry Drive

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