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Utilities Projects

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City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) Infrastructure Projects

Find information on current Utilities infrastructure projects in Palo Alto, including electric, fiber optics, gas, wastewater and water. Storm drain projects are managed by the City's Public Works Department.

Do you see steel plates on the streets? The steel plates are placed at the locations of excavation in accordance with safety regulations and in order to allow access to the underground infrastructure until the work is completely finished and excavation is backfilled. The plates on the streets are placed and maintained by either the Utilities department, contractors working for Utilities, or third-party developers.

Safety is a number one priority for CPAU!

View Utilities safety information.

Comments and questions are always welcome and we invite you to contact us at any time.

Major Projects FAQs

Colorado Distribution Feeder Outlets & Switch Replacement

This project is to redesign the feeder duct bank out of the 12kV substation and replaces aging electric cables and switches.

Corte Madera Reservoir Replacement

The Corte Madera Reservoir Replacement Project will replace the existing Corte Madera reservoir with a new, same capacity, above-ground, concrete reservoir at the same location.

East Meadow Circles 4/12kV Conversion

This project will convert the primary electric distribution system in the East Charleston/Alma Street/East Meadow Drive/Middlefield Road area from 4kV to 12kV.

Foothill Fire Mitigation Project

To mitigate fire risk due to electric equipment, Palo Alto plans to relocate the overhead electric lines to underground on Arastradero Road.

Gas Main Replacement 23

The Project targets replacement of gas mains and gas services that are nearing their operational life expectancy and have become brittle over time.

Gas Meter Protection Program

The Utilities Gas Meter Protection Program is a 3-year program that will install bollards at various locations throughout the City. As part of the citywide gas safety program and in compliance with the Code of Federal Regulation, CFR 49 Part 192.353.

Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project 30 (SSR 30)

The scope of this contract includes replacement of approximately 10,119 linear feet of sanitary sewer mains of various sizes and replacement/rehabilitation of 38 sewer manholes in the Ventura, Charleston Meadows, Fairmeadow, and Palo Verde neighborhoods.

Underground District 26

This project will rebuild and replace deteriorated electrical cables, transformers, switches, and enclosures in the underground electric system in Underground District 26.

Utility Pole Surveying

This project will encompass the survey of all utility poles in Palo Alto in order to identify the current load and condition of each pole in preparation for the deployment of a new fiber optic backbone and a potential Fiber-to-the-Home deployment.

Water Main Replacement 28

We will be replacing asbestos cement and other aging pipelines with high density polyethylene mains. The work being performed under the contract will include installation of approximately 18,763 linear feet of new water mains of various sizes, 256 new water services, 40 new fire hydrants, and 82 gate valves.

Wood Pole Inspection

This project covers the inspection, testing, treatment, and reinforcing of 700 wood utility poles within the City of Palo Alto Utilities’ service area.

Last updated on August 23, 2022