San Jose Water Company (SJWC) will be begin construction on a pipeline replacement project in late April that will require the temporary closure of portions of the Los Gatos Creek Trail. The project involves replacing approximately 2,000 feet of water mains located on and crossing Main Street in downtown Los Gatos. The existing mains are almost 70 years old and their replacement is necessary in order to improve the reliability and performance of the water system. The new mains will be located on the Los Gatos Creek Trail from the Forbes Mill Museum parking lot southward towards the company’s Maple Lane Station. The project is anticipated to begin on April 24, 2006 and must be completed prior to the start of the Town of Los Gatos’ street resurfacing project (anticipated start date July 5, 2006).
During construction, the Los Gatos Creek Trail will be closed to public access in order to ensure the safety of the trail users and of the workers. To minimize the impact of the trail closure, the project will be divided into three phases. Phase I will involve the northern limits starting from the Museum southward to the Main Street trail access road. Trail users heading north from Lexington will be diverted up the Main Street access road and can regain access to the trail at Church Street. Users heading south from points north of the Museum will be diverted onto Church Street and can regain access with the trail via Main Street. This portion of the trail is anticipated to be closed for three weeks starting April 24 through May 12, 2006.
Phase II will involve the southern limits starting from the Main Street access road south approximately 600 feet. The trail will be closed from the access road to Lexington Reservoir since no alternate routes exist to divert users through the construction area. Trail users at Alma Bridge Road will be diverted onto the Jones Trail to Jones Road and College Avenue where they can regain access to the trail at Main Street. Users heading south will be diverted at Main Street and directed to the Jones Trail via College Avenue. This portion of the trail is anticipated to be closed for three weeks starting May 15 through June 9, 2006.
The final phase involves the installation of pipe on the trail access road adjacent to Main Street. Users wishing access to the trail at Main Street will be detoured onto Church Street. With the exception of the access road, the trail will be opened during this phase of work. The access road is anticipated to be closed for two weeks starting June 12 through June 23, 2006. Signs will be posted at the trail entrances to inform users of the trail’s closure and detours.
I understand that the trail closure will inconvenience the users and appreciate your understanding and patience during the construction activities to improve the public water supply system.
You probably have many questions about the project and trail’s closure and I would be happy to discuss this them with you. Please contact me at your convenience should you need additional information.
John
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John B. Tang, P.E.
Community Projects Liaison
San Jose Water Company
1265 South Bascom Avenue
San Jose, California 95128
T: 408-279-7851
F: 408-279-7889
john_tang@sjwater.com
www.sjwater.com
