The largest public works project in the City of Fremont’s history, completed ahead of schedule and within budget, the Fremont Grade Separation project involved the construction of two new grade separations of the Union Pacific rail line. It was a major stepping-stone for Bay Area transportation as it facilitated the extension of BART from Fremont to Warm Springs and ultimately to San Jose.
Circlepoint was retained during the initial project development phase in 1999 and assisted with community relations, conducting public meetings, and environmental screening as the city and community evaluated many options and alternatives. Circlepoint’s work continued through the project approval process where we advised the City of taking advantage of the Statutory Exemption for grade separations allowed under CEQA. This greatly streamlined the environmental review process saving time and money. As a result the environmental analysis could focus on permitting and determining appropriate noise measures to address community concerns about trains and automobile noise. Biological studies identified the presence of endangered California Tiger Salamanders within the construction area. Circlepoint works closely with USFWS, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the US Army Corps of Engineers to relocate the salamaders and conduct extensive monitoring during construction. Throughout the project’s duration, Circlepoint implemented an extensive and proactive public outreach program to ensure the community was involved during early planning and kept informed about construction activities and progress. The project opened ahead of schedule due to successful partnering with public/private agencies, property owners and the community throughout the course of the project beginning with the feasibility designs and continuing through construction.