The city’s public works department is deciding on the best option to increase connectivity near a railroad crossing on Santa Clara’s east side.

On Oct. 14, the city held the second of three community meetings to discuss the Benton Street and Brokaw Road crossing near the Santa Clara Transit Station and the future Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station.

The feasibility study explores different crossing options to accommodate a variety of travel modes from pedestrian and bicycle travel to driving. It also aims to balance the best safety and connectivity with overall impact. The crossing aims to increase connectivity to important places such as jobs, schools, grocery stores and regional transit.  

Ajmal Puyehgar, the city’s senior engineer leading the project, said the city is still early in the planning process and seeking public input on the most popular design.

In addition to removing barriers to travel, the study aims to determine how the project can help the area grow in the future. 

Jon Cacciotti, a consultant with HMH Engineering, told those in attendance that the options were “fleshed out with significant detail” but had not been studied by engineering.

He presented eight options, ranging in complexity and number and significance of the impacts.

The first two options would lower El Camino Real by 5 to 8 feet to provide access below the train tracks. One of those options would hurt circulation and impede access to the Santa Clara Police Department nearby.

Options three to five would have motorists crossing over the tracks while options six and seven would do the same but only for pedestrians and cyclists.

Option eight would modify the existing undercrossing. 

Although the city has not studied the costs associated with each option, Cacciotti said, in general, the higher the number the option, the less expensive and more impactful it is likely to be. Options one to three have the most significant impacts. Options three to five have “significant” impacts while options six to eight have “less” impacts.

Council Member Suds Jain was among those in attendance. He said he was “surprised” that options five through eight consider having cars. Considering speed metrics as well as the perception of danger among potential users would be useful, he added. He called the option that limits access to the police department a “showstopper.”

Betsy Megas, who sits on the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, said she is not a fan of the concepts involving cars. Further, she said tunnels can be “dark, cramped, creepy, smoggy, loud and possibly wet.”

“I worry about both safety and comfort,” she said.

According to the city’s project page, another community meeting is planned for winter 2027.

City employees estimate the study will take 18 months, with its results coming to the Santa Clara City Council in spring 2027 for approval. Completion is slated for later that year.

During the meeting, project coordinators allowed attendees to participate in a survey detailing their preferences. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCBB_1 

SantaClaraCA.gov/BentonBrokaw.

Contact David Alexander at d.todd.alexander@gmail.com