The Western Pacific reached Oakland in the early 1900s after the other rail lines in the area were already established.  A branch from Niles to San Jose was completed in 1921.  A map of the branch shows it was shaped like a "J", with the hook curving around the south and west sides of San Jose. It crossed the SP main and a few SP branches along its route. The WP was absorbed by the UP in 1982, but it wasn't until the SP was also merged into the UP (1996) that the last few miles of the branch were abandoned. Several connecting industrial spurs have also been pulled up recently.  As of fall 2003 the tracks are "out of service" between William Street Yard (east side of San Jose) through Valbrick (former SP spur crossing) to the former SP coast line crossing (CP Michael).  Beyond that location, through West San Jose (SP Permanente branch crossing) to the end of the branch, most of the rails and ties were removed in 2003.  Some rails remain at grade crossings, but the signals are removed or have "Tracks Removed From Service" signs on them. In a couple of places near West San Jose, buildings are under construction on the former right of way.  Meanwhile, a small section near the end of the branch, used for a customer, has been connected to the UP/SP Permanente Branch.  (As of late 2003 the Permanante branch was being double tracked for use as a future light rail line, while still maintaining freight service).