High wire to Half Moon Bay

Frequent use of the route by large trucks exacerbates the problem, and increases dangers for passenger vehicles. As the only access between the eastern and western side of the Coastal Range, in an earthquake, landslides or washouts could close the road, isolating coastal communities.

The solution? An aerial wire ropeway, commonly called gondolas or, erroneously, as most Bay Area residents know, cable cars.

The Coastal Range portion of State Route 92, from San Mateo to Half Moon Bay is an exemplar of how aerial wire ropeways can alleviate traffic, maintain connectivity in natural disasters, improve quality of life of residents, and spur economic development and urban renewal.

Such an aerial wire ropeway could occur in two phases: Phase I will install two stations. The first is located on the east side at the State Route 92 and Interstate 280 interchange at Crystal Springs Reservoir, and, the second station, at the State Route 92 and Highway 1 interchange near downtown Half Moon Bay.

The Crystal Springs station would offer parking, and connections to local bus lines. This station would be located adjacent to the Crystal Springs Reservoir, offer scenic views, connections to bike and hike trails, and could include a restaurant/café and other commercial services to increase revenue. High-capacity passenger cabins would be stored, maintained and launched from this station.

As it is warm on the eastern side of the Coastal Range, and often foggy and cold on the western side, cabins would be climate-controlled. Further, they would offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, and can carry bicycles and surfboards externally. The number of cabins on the line would be flexible, with cabins parked or attached as needed. Cargo carriers would also be available for emergency or equipment transfer use. The Crystal Springs station accommodates eastward line expansion in Phase II, and houses the system’s reserve traction motor, hauling rope braking, and line tensioners.

The second Phase I station is in Half Moon Bay near downtown. It houses the system’s primary traction motor, engineering spaces, line braking and tensioning, and offers services, parking and connection to local bus lines. Ideally, and concurrent with Phase I, Highway 1 is upgraded to include light rail (Beach BreEZe?) connecting Half Moon Bay with Pillar Point Harbor to the north — another notorious high-traffic corridor — and all beaches and towns between. Phase I would utilize some 9 kilometers of wire rope per direction and cost approximately $65 million. Though subject to terrain nuances, Phase I’s line would generally be straight.

Phase II would extend the line another 8 kilometers from the Crystal Springs station east to a through-station at College of San Mateo, and then down the hill to a station at Caltrain Hillsdale/El Camino Real. This Phase II line extension would facilitate connectivity with urban mass transit and alleviate traffic along the portion of State Route 92 from Crystal Springs to San Mateo, all while increasing utilization of the ropeway. Phase II would utilize some 8 kilometer of wire rope per direction, and cost approximately $56 million. To avoid private property, Phase II’s line would follow State Route 92, with towers either at the road’s centerline, or directly adjacent to the road.

System fares should reflect a three-tier system, with residents of Half Moon Bay and other coastal communities receiving discounted monthly travel passes; California residents would be midtier, and out-of-state residents would pay increased fares. General transport funds, bonds and, potentially, crowd funding, can be used for construction and operations and maintenance.

The solution to American urban traffic is not more or wider roads, but corridor specific mass transit. High speed and light rail have a role to play. However, aerial wire ropeways represent one of the most attractive modes to address localized extreme road traffic where terrain precludes others. As the state and nation ponder renewed infrastructure, aerial wire ropeways must be part of rebuilding done right. A high wire to Half Moon Bay is a perfect example of this.

Dr. von Bleichert is the great-great grandson of wire rope pioneer Adolf Bleichert. He is a professor at the College of San Mateo.