Foster City unsure of 92/101 project

During a Foster City meeting May 19, councilmembers voiced concern as well, though no official action was taken to sign on to San Mateo's letter.

The 92/101 connector lane project has been a discussion topic for years, with transit agencies such as the Transportation Authority stating it could reduce congestion and improve safety by using a new ramp connector to get from one freeway to another. The lane would be similar to the current Highway 101 express lanes, which employ a demand pricing model, though high-occupancy vehicles would be exempt or receive a discount.

However, Foster City councilmembers Phoebe Venkat and Suzy Niederhofer said there should be more focus on providing transit connections for congestion relief, rather than building an additional highway lane.

"I really think that if we're going to make real progress, it needs to be a long-term project that we focus on that shows it will definitely impact [congestion], and that we have data that show that," Venkat said. "What I'm hearing a lot is around wanting more options for transit, like the cross-Bay transit options. That will really help a lot with the traffic coming from East Bay to the Peninsula to the southern Peninsula."

Agency officials are contemplating a few options. One would add a direct connection from westbound State Route 92 to both directions of the Highway 101 express lanes, which could mitigate morning congestion; a connection from the Highway 101 express lanes to eastbound State Route 92 to alleviate evening traffic; or a reversible lane that could serve both morning and evening demands.

While the project is still in the early stages, it originally involved acquiring more than 30 parcels of private property via eminent domain, which stipulates that owners may have to sell their land under certain circumstances, provided it will be used for public use.

However, the TA said the current proposal options wouldn't take any houses or parks, but could involve taking portions of property. The two areas in question are in San Mateo, on the southwest side of Highway 101, in the Fiesta Gardens neighborhood south of State Route 92, and on the northeast side of Highway 101, in the Shoreview neighborhood north of State Route 92.

Foster City Mayor Stacy Jimenez said that while she has some concerns over the project, she would be supportive of it if there is a clear indication it could improve emergency access routes.

"We know that it's very difficult for us to get into or out of Foster City, so if this project has the potential to aid in emergency situations then I am all in," Jimenez said.

Funding for the entire project is uncertain. The initial $200 million estimate is several years old, and the price tag will likely be higher. Updated cost estimates will be released with the draft environmental impact report, which is expected to be circulated for public comment and feedback in the fall of 2026.