The San Mateo County Transportation Authority is looking to identify funding for a handful of transportation projects over the coming years, though the specific plans are yet to be determined.
During a San Mateo Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission meeting Nov. 13, the TA discussed its Corridor Connect program, which aims to “prioritize congestion management” along Highway 101 in the county. The initiative falls into two broad categories, including one — the multimodal strategy — which would identify underfunded projects, ranging from vehicle and transit to biking improvements. The other, Active 101, would more narrowly focus on projects that are a “human powered” means of transportation, such as biking or walking.
Many potential projects are being discussed and are awaiting more public input, but none have been finalized, though the idea is “tying different modes of transportation together,” said Amy Linehan, government and community affairs officer at the SMCTA.
“The most relevant improvement that people want to see are improved roadway conditions, in terms of infrastructure and infrastructure to address congestion,” Linehan said. “There was also a conversation about improved access to more affordable transit.”
There are still many uncertainties within the program, which may also include a new corridor along part of Highway 101. That has left some county residents concerned. During the public comment period, Mike Swire said he hoped the bulk of investment would shift away from vehicle-based infrastructure.
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“Only 3 to 5% of [TA’s] spending goes towards projects that focus on the safety of those who walk and bike in that area. Most of the bike and pedestrian projects that will be considered through this program will b relatively small. Meanwhile the TA and C/CAG, with Caltrans, focuses the majority of its spending on nine-figure projects that widen highways and encourage more people to drive instead of taking Caltrain, BART, SamTrans or walking and biking,” Swire said. “If we truly want to reduce auto congestion, we should stop spending billions of dollars on projects that expand highways and encourage people to drive.”
Commission Chair Kimiko Narita said she was concerned that, despite the overarching goal of reducing congestion, there doesn’t seem to be any mechanism to quantitatively track if and by how much congestion is reduced with any of the projects.
“Please look into health data when looking at projects. Please figure out GHG [emission] potential at some point. It seems like there is a dead zone in planning when it comes to these types of projects,” Narita said to the TA. “If we can’t prove or measure the improvements that current projects or past projects have achieved, we are undercutting ourselves and our ability to tell that compelling story.”
I can save the taxpayers the millions these people will waste on these projects. Just go stand on the Broadway Burlingame overpass and look at the mess made by that last project, where the lane just disappears and creates a nearly 24/7 traffic jam. That along with the congestion created by the express lane project have us in gridlock most of the time on 101. See how easy this is? Millions saved. We need to start voting down all of these measures and getting rid to the dreamers who make these messes.
Unassigned, you're spot on with your analysis. I'd also suggest, starting at 2 PM each weekday, the Hillsdale 101 N bound on ramp should be closed along with the Edgewater exit in Foster City. These intersections on / off ramps cause incredible traffic congestion and are dangerous. There are plenty of options with respect to getting on 101 North bound and the Hillsdale exit and Foster City Blvd are more than adequate to enter Foster City.
Alyse, I want to thank you for covering the importance of creating infrastructure for active transportation. We need protected bike lanes for people to leave their cars at home. We have to feel safe on a bike or we’ll drive and create more traffic. Please please Alyse do everything you can to promote infrastructure for Bike and pedestrian safety.
The 3 to 5% of our sales taxes going to Bike and ped infrastructure was something that our board of supervisors handed to us without any choice. Yes we voted on Measure A and Measure W which allocated funds, but we would were never given a choice on the % allocations.
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(3) comments
I can save the taxpayers the millions these people will waste on these projects. Just go stand on the Broadway Burlingame overpass and look at the mess made by that last project, where the lane just disappears and creates a nearly 24/7 traffic jam. That along with the congestion created by the express lane project have us in gridlock most of the time on 101. See how easy this is? Millions saved. We need to start voting down all of these measures and getting rid to the dreamers who make these messes.
Unassigned, you're spot on with your analysis. I'd also suggest, starting at 2 PM each weekday, the Hillsdale 101 N bound on ramp should be closed along with the Edgewater exit in Foster City. These intersections on / off ramps cause incredible traffic congestion and are dangerous. There are plenty of options with respect to getting on 101 North bound and the Hillsdale exit and Foster City Blvd are more than adequate to enter Foster City.
Alyse, I want to thank you for covering the importance of creating infrastructure for active transportation. We need protected bike lanes for people to leave their cars at home. We have to feel safe on a bike or we’ll drive and create more traffic. Please please Alyse do everything you can to promote infrastructure for Bike and pedestrian safety.
The 3 to 5% of our sales taxes going to Bike and ped infrastructure was something that our board of supervisors handed to us without any choice. Yes we voted on Measure A and Measure W which allocated funds, but we would were never given a choice on the % allocations.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.