San Mateo County can move forward with improving traffic and pedestrian infrastructure at key interchange with federal grant

San Mateo County, California – With the securing of a $105 million federal grant, awarded for the SR84-US101 Interchange Reimagined Improvement Project, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) has recorded significant progress in local infrastructure development. Part of the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program, this award is aimed at closing the financing gap for a project meant to change San Mateo County’s transportation landscape.
Located at a critical point, the interchange serves industrial activity at the Port of Redwood City and the adjacent Seaport Center and Pacific Shores as well as gives crucial access to residential areas including Redwood City, North Fair Oaks, Menlo Park, and Woodside. With thousands of jobs tied to these areas, the need for improved transportation infrastructure is both evident and urgent.
Leveraging approximately $160 million from San Mateo County’s Measure A transportation tax, the TA has long supported the redesign of this interchange. These improvements seek to improve safety and efficiency; lower the frequency and severity of traffic crashes; and provide fresh facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users.
“We are deeply thankful to U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin for his dedication in helping secure this vital grant,” said Carlos Romero, Chair of the San Mateo County Transportation Authority Board of Directors, in a release. “This funding, which complements our San Mateo County Measure A transportation sales tax, brings us a step closer to achieving a much-anticipated project that will boost bicycle and pedestrian safety, improve traffic efficiency, and set a new benchmark for multimodal access.”

Echoing Romero’s sentiments, U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin highlighted the broader benefits of the project.
“This is a major win for the region as the U.S. 101/SR84 Interchange Reimagined Project will have widespread mobility and safety benefits. It’s exciting to witness the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law having a direct impact here at home,” Mullin said.
More than four miles of shared use walkways, bike lanes, and separated bikeways are part of the planned improvements, therefore considerably improving the current lack of such amenities. From students heading from the Redwood City Caltrain Station to Summit High School, to workers riding a bike to their workplaces at Pacific Shores, this will be of interest to a varied spectrum of people.
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The project covers a whole revamp of the interchange, not only improving current pathways. Among other improvements, this includes building direct-connect flyover ramps, rebuilding all current ramps, eliminating the antiquated five-legged crossroads at Broadway and Woodside Road, and easing truck access to US101.
“Securing the $105 million INFRA grant is a monumental milestone for Redwood City and a testament to the strength of our partnerships and shared commitment to improving critical infrastructure,” said Redwood City Mayor Jeff Gee. “We are especially grateful for the leadership of U.S. Sen. Padilla, U.S. Rep. Mullin, and the collaboration of Caltrans, the SMCTA and our other partners. Together, we are building a safer, more sustainable, and better-connected future for Redwood City and the broader Bay Area.”
Although the INFRA award significantly decreases the budget gap, the TA expects extra state money will still be required to completely finance the project, whose overall estimated cost comes at $384 million.
Established to handle Measure A, the TA is a vital source of money for San Mateo County transportation initiatives and projects. After Measure A’s 2004 voter-approved extension and Measure W’s addition in 2018, the TA stays front and first in initiatives to improve regional transportation system and alleviate congestion throughout the county.