Palo Alto committee drops El Dorado bike tunnel plan amid neighborhood opposition

The Palo Alto City Council Rail Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to remove the proposed bike tunnel on El Dorado Avenue from consideration, responding to growing opposition from local residents, Palo Alto Online reported.

Earlier this year, the El Dorado bike tunnel was considered the leading option to improve east-west bike connectivity across the rail tracks in south Palo Alto, selected over alternatives including underpasses at Loma Verde and Linder avenues.

A petition opposing the El Dorado tunnel had gathered about 180 signatures by early September, reflecting neighborhood concerns that influenced the committee's decision.

With the 3-0 vote, the committee effectively ended the El Dorado tunnel proposal, shifting attention to the Loma Verde option as the next focus for improving bike infrastructure in the area.

The decision marks a significant change in direction for Palo Alto's efforts to enhance bike connectivity across the rail corridor, with further planning expected around the Loma Verde underpass alternative.