Mayfield Cutoff

It branched from the Coast Division mainline at California Avenue in Mayfield (now part of Palo Alto) and ran south to Vasona Junction where it met the South Pacific Coast Railway.

[7][8] The rails north of Permanente Junction were removed and much of the right of way reused for the Foothill Expressway,[1] which was under construction by 1966.

[9] Kaiser Cement Corporation had a private spur from the line leading to their Permanente Quarry.

[10] The plant remains active (though is planned to close[11]) and tracks continue to be used for freight as part of the Union Pacific Vasona Industrial Lead.

[1][12][11] The former line is the preferred west-side routing for future VTA light rail expansion.

Animated alternation between USGS maps from 1965 and 1969 showing the Mayfield Cutoff being replaced by the Foothills Expressway and removed south of Hansen Way (lower right of frame)