North Fair Oaks Bicycle and Pedestrian Railroad Crossing and Community Connections Study
We want to hear from the community! Find out more about this study and how to participate below.
What is this Study?
The County of San Mateo is working on the North Fair Oaks Bicycle and Pedestrian Railroad Crossing and Community Connections Study to assess the potential for a pedestrian and bicycle railroad crossing over or under the Caltrain tracks, making it easier to walk and bike in North Fair Oaks and part of adjacent Redwood City. The Study will also explore potential bicycle and pedestrian improvements on local streets in North Fair Oaks that provide connections to the new rail crossing and local destinations on both sides of the tracks. The Study team seeks to develop a community-guided plan that reflects the priorities of the North Fair Oaks community and defines a path forward for implementing the improvements. The Study team includes County staff, community organization Nuestra Casa, and consultants.
Why are we conducting this Study?
The North Fair Oaks Community and part of adjacent Redwood City is separated by the four-track Caltrain Railroad Corridor. The railroad tracks separate residents from local destinations that include, but aren’t limited to, community facilities and services, schools, shopping, and local bus service. There is a need for enhanced and connected bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
According to the Unincorporated San Mateo County Active Transportation Plan (ATP), North Fair Oaks has both the highest potential demand for walking and biking and the highest concentration of bicycle and pedestrian collisions per square mile of all San Mateo County unincorporated communities. Making streets easier to walk and bicycle on and making it easier to get to destinations with a new bicycle and pedestrian railroad crossing could help reduce collisions.
What are the goals of this Study?
The Study aims to create options for a new pedestrian and bicycle crossing that brings the following benefits to the community:
- Access: Improved access for people walking, rolling, and biking across the rail corridor and nearby neighborhoods.
- Safety: Safer and well-lit public spaces that are comfortable and inviting for people of all ages and abilities.
- Equity: Improvements for people traveling without a car that reflect community priorities and achieve local and regional sustainability goals with no housing displacement.
- Community Design: Sense of community through attractive public spaces, public art, and structures.
- Constructability: Minimal construction impacts on the community and feasible project budget.
What is the Study timeline?

Where are the railroad crossing options in the Study Area?
The Study area is located within the unincorporated community of North Fair Oaks. The boundaries of the Study area are Middlefield Road to the north, 5th Avenue to the east, El Camino Real to the south and the unincorporated County/Redwood City limit to the west.
Option A Dumbarton Avenue Tunnel is shown in purple. Option B Dumbarton Avenue Bridge is shown in blue. Option C Middlefield Junction Bridge is shown in orange. More details will be shared at the community outreach events and via the survey.

Looking to provide feedback on this Study?
Outreach Events
We look forward to engaging with community members during the second phase of engagement. The following is a table of community engagement activities that will take place in spring 2023.
Date | Time | Location |
---|---|---|
Friday, March 24 | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | North Fair Oaks Library and Fair Oaks Community Center, 2600 Middlefield Road |
Monday, March 27 | 8:00 to 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Jornaleros Laborers and Samaritan House Free Clinic, 114 5th Avenue |
Wednesday, March 29 | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Verbo Family Services, 2789 Bay Road |
Wednesday, March 29 | 3:00 to 6:00 PM | Willow Market, 37 Willow Street |
Wednesday, March 29 | 1:00 to 4:00 PM | Mi Tienda Market, 812 5th Avenue |
Sunday, April 2 | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Verbo Church, 2789 Bay Road |
Wednesday, April 5th | 5:00 to 8:00 PM | Casa Circulo Cultural, 3090 Middlefield Road |
Wednesday, April 5th | 3:00 to 6:00 PM | Hoover Park, 2100 Spring Street |
Thursday, April 6th | 3:00 to 6:00 PM | Food Distribution at Hoover School, 703 Charter Street |
More events will be announced! | ||
Completed Events | ||
Saturday, June 11 | Casa Circulo, 3090 Middlefield Road | |
Saturday, June 11 | Hoover Park, 2100 Spring Street | |
Monday, June 13 | Chavez Supermarket, 3282 Middlefield Road | |
Wednesday, June 15 | North Fair Oaks Library, 2510 Middlefield Road | |
Wednesday, June 22 | Verbo Family Services, 2798 Bay Road | |
Wednesday, June 22 | Familias Unidas Virtual Presentation | |
Thursday, June 23 | North Fair Oaks Community Council Virtual Presentation | |
Friday, June 24 | Willow Market, 37 Willow Street | |
Saturday, June 25 | Siena Youth Center, 2625 Marlborough Ave *Note: This is a combination pop-up at the start of the event followed by a community bike ride. To learn more and to register, visit: www.tinyurl.com/NFObici |
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Tuesday, June 28 | Mi Rancho Supermarket, 150 Charter Street | |
Tuesday, June 30 | Chavez Supermarket, 46 5th Ave | |
Friday, July 8 | St. Anthony's, 3500 Middlefield Road |
We thank community members that have already engaged with us during the first phase of outreach in summer 2022 and shared their feedback on travel needs and priorities to improve pedestrian and bicycle access. The Phase 1 Engagement Summary can be found under Study Documents.
In the meantime, you can continue to share thoughts, comments and ask questions by sending us an e-mail at: OOS_NFOwalkbikesmc@smcgov.org
This Study is being made possible through a Caltrans Sustainable Communities Grant as part of a financial partnership between the County of San Mateo and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
Study Documents
Phase 1 Engagement Summary |
Existing Conditions Memo |
August 18, 2022 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Project Update Presentation |
Link to other County web pages for ongoing projects in North Fair Oaks: