SF Railyards Project

What is the Railyards Project?

The SF Railyards Project currently consists of two inter-related efforts that will identify potential new track layouts and development concepts for the SF Railyards site.

1. Caltrain/Prologis “Business Case”
   By 2040, Caltrain envisions running trains every 7.5 minutes at rush hour and express service all day. Caltrain and Prologis are now evaluating options for the Railyards site that can meet the operational needs of this vision, while also supporting feasible development at the Railyards. 
   Deliverable: Track layout and development concept recommended for further detailed development (expected in Summer 2023).

2. SF Railyards
   In partnership with public agencies, Prologis will propose a design and development concept for the SF Railyards and nearby rail tracks. The concept will include housing, office, commercial spaces; open space and community facilities; and connections between Soma, Showplace, Mission Bay and Mission Creek. 
   Deliverables: Zoning and development concept; Community benefits priorities (drafts expected in 2023)

Why does this project matter?

Redesigning the SF Railyards is an opportunity to:

• Increase Caltrain service and connections to High-Speed Rail, Central Subway, and other SFMTA lines

• Support future Caltrain service operations and public benefits

• Create transit-oriented development to increase access to regional jobs, housing, and destinations

• Reduce climate impacts by replacing car trips with more regional transit options

• Connect neighborhoods to the waterfront, schools, and open spaces

• Increase the resilience of the station and neighborhood in preparation for earthquakes and sea-level rise

What is the connection to other rail projects?

The Railyards Projects are coordinated with the three additional projects below. While interrelated, each of the following has its own schedule and public process:

• Downtown Extension (DTX) – A new underground 4th and Townsend station and connection to Salesforce Transit Center. The goal is to integrate any Railyards changes seamlessly with the 4th and Townsend station design. Currently in design.

• Pennsylvania Avenue Extension (PAX) – Proposal to extend the underground rail tracks south of 4th and Townsend to the 22nd Street station area. PAX would eliminate closures at the 16th Street and Mission Bay Drive (up to XX minutes of “gate-down” time during every rush hour). Currently under preliminary study.

• High Speed Rail (HSR) – The statewide project to provide high-speed rail service from downtown San Francisco and SoMa to San Jose, the Central Valley, and Los Angeles.

• Caltrain Service Vision 2040 – Adopted by Caltrain’s Board of Directors in 2020, Caltrain’s vision includes eight trains per direction, per hour, with all-day express service every 15 minutes, and increased off-peak and weekend service. Any proposals for the Railyards must meet the operational needs of the Service Vision.

Who is on the project team?  

• Caltrain – train corridor operator and owner      
• Prologis – railyards site owner, development lead    
• SF Planning – City’s lead for planning, design and outreach    
• Office of Economic and Workforce Development – City’s lead development partner     
• Mayor’s Office of Transportation – policy lead   
• SF County Transportation Authority – Pennsylvania Ave Extension technical lead    
• CA High Speed Rail Authority – high speed rail builder and operator     
• Transbay Joint Powers Authority – builder and operator of the Downtown Extension, 4th and Townsend station, and Salesforce Transit Center