TR189: California High-Speed Rail Project: A Study of the Palo Alto Section

The primary aim of this research project was to investigate the possibility of tunneling the upcoming California High-Speed Train tracks, thereby avoiding an above-ground train. Our investigations focus primarily on the social, economic, and political implications of tunneling. The three means by which we investigate these issues are:
• Asurvey of stakeholders to understand the goals and preferences with regard to the project as a whole.

• An economic model with variable inputs that determines the financial feasibility of a tunneled option

• An urban design study of four alternative development schemes

Survey Conclusions

A survey of local residents, employees, and Stanford students showed that survey respondents:

• Care more about minimizing the visual impact, noise and environmental impact of the rail line significantly more than the cost of the project.

• Are in favor of a HSR station in Palo Alto, even if it brings high-density development to the area.

• Believe that the two greatest concerns about HSR are the physical division of Palo Alto and the noise, vibration and other disturbances due to HSR operation, which indicates a strong opposition to an above ground alignment.

Our economic calculations showed that if the High-Speed Rail Authority contributed $500 million to the project, Palo Alto would need to raise approximately $1.3 billion for the tunneled option.

• For the Tunneled HSR with mid-density development and a 1% sales tax, there is a $773 million funding deficit.

• For the Tunneled HSR with high-density development and a 1% sales tax, there is a $291 million funding deficit.

• For the Tunneled HSR with extreme high-density development and a 0.5% sales tax, the funding requirement is met.