California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Route 82

Route 82 General

In October 2011, the CTC approved $11.2 million to install closed-circuit video cameras, vehicle detection systems and improved traffic signals along Route 82.

Former Route 82 (Former US 101) in San Jose

Monterey Highway - US 101 in Gilroy to San Jose

In February 2023, it was reported that a recent Federal bill has allocated $2 million for the Monterey Road Highway to Grand Boulevard Design Study in the city of San Jose, which will explore converting Monterey Road (former Route 82, nee US 101) from a motor highway to a grand boulevard. The project proposes to redesign Monterey Road - currently a six-lane facility with 50 mph traffic - as "a complete street that will prioritize safety and improve accessibility for individuals who walk, bike, or use transit. Community engagement activities will bring residents, community organizations, and transportation agencies together to identify the most important transportation challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. Potential project improvements to be considered include dedicated transit lanes, protected bike lanes, urban greening, and reconstructed intersections. Monterey Road, an important transit corridor running through San Jose, has a deadly history in the South Bay. Once part of the El Camino Real in 1700s, the 9.6-mile stretch from Keyes Street to Metcalf Road has become increasingly dangerous in the past few decades. The funding is part of the Reconnecting Communities Pilot program through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The other cities receiving funds are Oakland, Long Beach, Pasadena and Fresno. The pilot program was established in the nation's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which passed in 2021. City officials have worked on various piecemeal solutions along Monterey Road and surrounding streets over the years. The city spent roughly $1 million in 2022 on Senter Road, a nearby busy and dangerous street, to paint the intersections and install plastic barriers to slow down traffic, among other safety measures. San Jose also received $10 million in state funding in August 2022 for more street lights, bike lanes and other protective measures around Senter Road. Also in 2022 on Monterey Road, San Jose installed pedestrian median fences, cameras and other safety measures. City officials hope to upgrade damaged guardrails along Monterey Road in Summer 2023.
(Source: Streetsblog LA, 2/28/2023; San Jose Spotlight, 3/2/2023)

First Street - San Jose

No status updates.

The Alameda - San Jose

In August 2011, it was reported that owners of more than 50% of the properties on The Alameda (in downtown San Jose, S of 880) have given verbal agreements to support the formation of a Maintenance Improvement District to fund a $4 million makeover of the segment. The makeover funding comes primarily from a Metropolitan Transportation Commission grant with some additional funding from the San Jose Department of Transportation. The grant was based on the vision offered of raised medians with landscaping and pedestrian refuges, new lighting, gateway and neighborhood markers, enhanced pedestrian crosswalks and corner sidewalk bulb-outs. It would stretch from Stockton Avenue down The Alameda to where it meets Fremont Street and Schiele Avenue.

San Jose / Santa Clara (I-880) to Mountain View (Route 85)

Mayfield Pedestrian UC Abandonment (04-SCl-82 PM R11.4/26.4)

In December 2021, the CTC approved amending the SHOPP as follows: 04-SCl-82 PM R11.4/26.4. PPNO 04-2021B; Proj ID 0418000032; EA 0P980. Route 82 In the cities of Santa Clara and Palo Alto, at De La Cruz Boulevard Overcrossing (OC) № 37-0214 (PM R11.38), Mayfield Pedestrian Undercrossing (UC) № 37-0091 (PM 24.15), University Avenue OC № 37-0092 (PM 25.88), and San Francisquito Creek Bridge № 37-0018 (PM 26.36). Upgrade bridge rails at three locations and abandon the Mayfield Pedestrian UC. Note: Update performance based on the latest available bridge data. Increase construction capital due to additional bridge widenings to accomodate bike and pedestrian accessability, increased cost for structural and roadway items, and signal and lighting upgrades. Additional structural and electrical work increased the number of contract working days, thus increasing the construction support cost. Allocation changes ($1,000s): Con Sup $1,031 ⇒ $1,350; Const Cap $1,922 ⇒ $6,202.
(Source: December 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1d) #10)

In January 2022, the CTC approved the following SB1 support phase allocation: $1,859,000. 04-SCl-82 R11.4/26.4. PPNO 04-2021B; ProjID 0418000032; EA 0P980. Route 82 In the cities of Santa Clara and Palo Alto, at De La Cruz Boulevard Overcrossing (OC) № 37-0214 (PM R11.38), Mayfield Pedestrian Undercrossing (UC) № 37-0091 (PM 24.15), University Avenue OC № 37-0092 (PM 25.88), and San Francisquito Creek Bridge № 37-0018 (PM 26.36). Upgrade bridge rails at three locations and abandon the Mayfield Pedestrian UC. Allocation: PS&E $1,824,000 ($1,533,000 programmed); R/W Sup $35,000 ($30,000 programmed).
(Source: January 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2b) #8)

In August 2023, the CTC approved the following SHOPP Construction Phase allocation: $8,336,000. 04-SCl-82 R11.38/26.36. PPNO 04-2021B; ProjID 0418000032; EA 0P980. Route 82 In the cities of Santa Clara and Palo Alto, at De La Cruz Boulevard Overcrossing Bridge № 37-0214 (PM R11.38), Mayfield Pedestrian Undercrossing Bridge № 37-0091 (PM 24.15), University Avenue Overcrossing Bridge № 37-0092 (PM 25.88), and San Francisquito Creek Bridge № 37-0018 (PM 26.36). Outcome/Output: Upgrade bridge rails at three locations and abandon the Mayfield Pedestrian Undercrossing Bridge to meet Federal crash test standards and to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists using the sidewalk or bike path. Preliminary Engineering (Budget / Expended): PA&ED $638,000 / $637,492; PS&E $2,206,400 / $2,069,663; R/W Sup $155,000 / $112,911. CEQA - CE, 12/20/2021; Re-validation 6/23/2023. NEPA - CE, 12/20/2021; Re-validation 6/23/2023. Four month allocation time extension for CONST and CON ENG approved under Waiver 23-72; June 2023. Allocation (Programmed / Allocated): CON ENG $1,350,000 / $1,485,000; CONST $6,202,000 / $6,851,000.
(Source: August 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(1) #22)

Grand Blvd Initiative (~ SCL 11.545 to SCL 21.604)

The SAFETEA-LU act, enacted in August 2005 as the reauthorization of TEA-21, provided the following expenditures on or near this route: High Priority Project #1942: El Camino Real Grand Blvd initiative in ~~San Mateo~~ Santa Clara County. $3,000,000.

In August 2011, the San Francisco Chronicle reported on the Grand Boulevard Initiative. The Grand Boulevard Initiative is an ongoing effort to transform the street into "a destination of valued places," spur development and improve the pedestrian feel of a roadway that now varies in width from 129 feet in Millbrae to 46 feet in Burlingame, where the eucalyptus trees on either side are protected as part of the city's cultural heritage. Additional details may be found in the full article from the Chronicle.

[Grand Initiative] In October 2011, more information on the Grand Boulevard Initiative was published. The plan includes removing two lanes of traffic from Lafayette Street in Santa Clara to Showers Drive in Mountain View and turn them into bus-only lanes running down the middle of the road. The express buses would be sleek and look more like light-rail trains, with ticket areas in the median and signals that turn green as a bus approaches an intersection. A 3-inch curb would separate the bus lanes from cars, enough to alert motorists who may wander into the transit-only lanes. The curbs would be low enough to allow emergency vehicles access. For this initiative to be realized, the VTA needs city councils in all six cities along El Camino within the county to endorse the changes, in addition to approval from Caltrans (VTA will be submitting the plan in June 2012) as El Camino is a state route. Money for the project is coming from the ½¢ transit-only sales tax approved in 2000 to bring BART to the South Bay and make other rail and bus improvements. The VTA will also seek some federal funding. The El Camino changes could cost $240 million, with $75 million possible from Washington.
(Source: San Jose Mercury News, 10/23/2011)

In November 2018, it was reported that the VTA, Santa Clara and Mountain View have big plans to overhaul El Camino over the next decade (~ SCL 18.924). Here is what is being considered:
(Source: Mercury News, 11/13/2018)

On-street parking will be removed over time to improve vehicle and bicycle access.
Traffic signals would be upgraded to speed up bus lines and new signals will be installed at several intersections.
Install a travel time data collection system and traffic monitoring cameras at various locations to improve signal timing,
Speeds might be limited to 30-35 mph.
The number of driveways and access points onto El Camino could be reduced.
Rebuild the Highway 85-El Camino interchange.
Build a pedestrian overcrossing at Tasman Drive.
Bicycle and pedestrian improvements at San Tomas Aquino Creek and Saratoga Creek trails.
Install motion sensors and pedestrian signals at various crosswalks.
Add bike lanes, lockers and racks and implement bicycle share at various locations.

In October 2019, it was reported that the Mountain View City Council unanimously approved an estimated $81 million improvement plan for El Camino Real featuring protected bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks and three new crosswalks with signals. Although the upgrades are expected to take years to complete, the council’s decision marks the first step toward making the safety improvements that elected officials and city staff have spent years discussing. In 2014, the city of Mountain View adopted a plan for El Camino that provided a road map for future changes and investment to the boulevard. City staff subsequently began developing a more detailed outline. Five years later, under the newly adopted plan, on-street parking will be replaced with protected bike lanes, bus stops will be updated to allow for the safety of cyclists and three new mid-block crosswalks with signals will be constructed at Crestview Drive, Bonita Avenue and Pettis Avenue. As for the remaining $40 million in estimated costs, city staff said that Catrans will cover some as part of its upcoming paving and ADA projects, the city will seek outside grants and the remainder will be funded through the city’s capital improvement program.
(Source: $$ Mercury News, 10/1/2019)

The 2020 SHOPP, approved in May 2020, included the following NEW Bridge Restoration item of interest: 04-Santa Clara-82 PM R11.4/26.4 PPNO 2021B Proj ID 0418000032 EA 0P980. Route 82 in the cities of Santa Clara and Palo Alto, at De La Cruz Boulevard Overcrossing (OC) No. 37-0214 (PM R11.38), Mayfield Pedestrian Undercrossing (UC) No. 37-0091 (PM 24.15), University Avenue OC No. 37 -0092 (PM 25.88), and San Francisquito Creek Bridge No. 37-0018 (PM 26.36). Upgrade bridge rails at three locations and abandon the Mayfield Pedestrian UC in Palo Alto (PM 24.15). Programmed in FY22-23, with construction scheduled to start in November 2023. Total project cost is $5,197K, with $1,965K being capital (const and right of way) and $3,232K being support (engineering, environmental, etc.).
(Source: 2020 Approved SHOPP a/o May 2020)

Palo Alto Bicycle Lanes (~ SCL 22.145 to SCL 26.36)

In July 2023, it was reported that Caltrans, which in Fall 2023 will begin to repave the local portion of El Camino Real, is looking at replacing parking spaces all along the Kings Highway with bike lanes. Earlier in 2023, Caltrans provided to the city of Palo Alto its tentative engineering plans for the new bike lanes, a proposal that appeared to have taken both the city and its bike advocates by surprise. When the Palo Alto Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) reviewed the plans at its May meeting, numerous members demanded more context for the decision, according to meeting minutes. Some questioned the goals of the Caltrans project while others focused on specific details such as the design of "sharrows" (markings that indicate a path is to be shared by cars and bikes) and the impact that the new bike lanes would have on the vehicle dwellers who make El Camino their home. The Caltrans plan for El Camino bike lanes is rolling out just as Palo Alto is preparing for its own improvements to the local bike network. In June 2023, the City Council approved a consulting contract to work on a new bike master plan, which would update the 2012 roadmap that's guided the suite of bike projects the city has completed over the past decade. Consideration of bike facilities on El Camino Real was always planned to be included in the plan update. Since receiving Caltrans' plans, city officials have repeatedly sought further clarification from the state agency as well as a formal proposal and information about a public process that the agency plans to use to obtain community feedback. Caltrans, for its part, sees El Camino bike lanes as one of its priority projects in the Peninsula. The agency's 2022 planning document for District 4, which includes the Peninsula, cites the prior effort by the four Peninsula cities to identify a long-distance separated bikeway that connects the cities and its conclusion that El Camino would be the preferred corridor. If the Caltrans plan advances, it would effectively supersede local planning efforts for bike improvements along and around El Camino. The bike master plan update is expected to take between 18 months and two years to complete, by which time El Camino bike lanes may already be established.
(Source: The Almanac, 7/13/2023)

Atherton (Route 84) to San Mateo (N of Route 92)

Route 82 / Route 92 Interchange (~ SM 10.518)

In June 2010, it was reported that studies are beginning to improve the El Camino Real (Route 82)/Route 92 interchange. Officials from three local transit agencies are splitting a $450,000 study that by the end of Summer 2011 should map out why cars move so slowly through the area, and what can be done about it. The purpose of the study is to figure out if there are any quick and easy fixes for operational problems in the interchange. C/CAG, MTC and the county Transportation Authority will each pay $150,000 to fund the study.
[Source: Oakland Tribune, 6/9/10]

In January 2011, results from the study were disclosed. Five options are being considered. The favored option includes converting the existing cloverleaf configuration to a “partial cloverleaf” configuration. This would require the elimination of two loop ramps and the construction of diagonal off-ramps. Cost for the work is expected to be up to $15 million and San Mateo is currently sitting on a $2.8 million grant from the federal government for the design and construction of the project. The city is also seeking about $5 million for the project from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The focused study also favored an option that calls for constructing partial cloverleafs at the interchange with the widening of Route 92 by one lane in each direction. The other three options include:

Conversion of the northern half of the interchange to a diamond configuration. The two existing loop ramps would be eliminated. The existing westbound-to-northbound diagonal ramp would be widened. A left-turn lane would be added to northbound El Camino Real. The existing southbound-to-westbound diagonal ramp would be relocated to fit the new intersection which would be controlled by a traffic signal.
Conversion of the northeast quadrant of the cloverleaf to a diamond configuration. The northbound-to-westbound loop would be eliminated, with a northbound left-turn lane on El Camino Real provided. The westbound-to-northbound ramp would be widened for additional lanes and signalized at El Camino.
Conversion of the existing full cloverleaf configuration to a diamond configuration with modifications to the Route 92/Delaware Street interchange. The westbound on-ramp from Delaware would be connected to the westbound off-ramp to El Camino Real. The off-ramp from eastbound Route 92 to Delaware would be eliminated. Traffic wishing to reach Delaware Street would exit at El Camino Real, proceed through the intersection of the off-ramp and onto the eastbound on-ramp.

In February 2014, it was reported that the draft EIR for reconstruction of the El Camino Real/Route 92 interchanage was released for public comment. The current El Camino Real-Route 92 interchange is laid out in a full cloverleaf configuration, with four circular ramps guiding cars on and off the highway. The merging lanes are short and tricky to negotiate. Traffic on Route 92 often backs up as motorists slow down to exit or accommodate cars shifting from the onramp to the highway. Caltrans proposes dismantling two of the cloverleafs. The planned configuration would funnel vehicles leaving the highway to new three-way intersections with stoplights at El Camino Real. If the plan is approved in its current form, Caltrans expects to begin construction in 2017.

Route 92 - El Camino Real Interchange In March 2015, it was reported that after entering into a cooperative agreement last year, the city of San Mateo and Caltrans are collaborating on a $16 million reconfiguration of the on- and off-ramps into a partial cloverleaf design. The project will also entail two signalized intersections that will accommodate drivers entering El Camino Real while also providing safer crossings for bicyclists and pedestrians. San Mateo has assumed landscaping responsibilities after the completion of the project on top of its $2.75 million contribution — the majority of which came from a federal grant and San Mateo County Transportation Authority Measure A fund. Caltrans is taking the lead on the project as it has the in-house design staff. In the future, drivers entering Route 92 from El Camino Real will continue to have access to separate eastbound and westbound on-ramps. Those exiting Route 92 will only have one off-ramp in either direction that would eventually widen into two or three lanes at a signalized intersection allowing drivers to turn either north or south onto El Camino Real (Route 82). The project will add two additional intersections with traffic lights between Bovet Road and 20th Avenue. The current design is about 65% complete and Caltrans hopes to begin construction in July 2016 with the project completed around April 2018.
(Source: San Mateo Daily Journal, 3/7/2015)

In October 2015, it was reported that the San Mateo County Transportation Authority allocated $16.2 million toward the project that will convert the dangerous Route 92/El Camino Real Interchange into a partial cloverleaf, realign the off- and on-ramps and add signalized intersections on El Camino Real. The project will improve safety by eliminating the short weave distance between drivers merging on and off Route 92 as well as deter existing backups when drivers spill onto the westbound portion of the highway at El Camino Real.
(Source: San Mateo Daily Journal, 10/2/2015)

In August 2016, the CTC approved a proposal from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the San Mateo City/County Council of Governments (C/CAG) and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) to program an AB 3090 cash reimbursement project (PPNO 0668B) in order to use local funds for construction of the Route 92/Route 82 Interchange Improvements – Phase 1 project (PPNO 0668A) in San Mateo County. The San Mateo County Transportation Authority requested reimbursements over a two-year period beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20. This project will reconstruct and reconfigure the existing interchange. Once completed, these improvements will result in increased operational efficiencies. SMCTA proposes to amend the STIP to revise the funding plan to advance project delivery with the use of $5,000,000 in local sales tax (Measure A) funds for construction support, and request reimbursements in FYs 2019-20 and 2020-21. This request follows AB 3090 Guidelines, which allow a local agency to use its own funds (non-state or non-federal) to complete a project component early to be later reimbursed with STIP funds currently programmed on the project.

In October 2016, the CTC approved the following STIP allocation: 04-SM-92 10.3/10.7; 11.0/11.5 | Route 92/Route 82 Interchange Improvements - Phase 1. In San Mateo. Modify existing on/off ramps at the Route 92/Route 82 interchange. It is proposed to remove the southeast and the northwest quadrant loops. Two new signalized intersections would be created at new on and off ramps on Route 82 (El Camino). $5,000,000

The Route 92/Route 82 interchange project in San Mateo was completed in early 2018, after several months in 2017 of realigning or removing the old ramps from the original cloverleaf.

San Mateo (N of Route 92) to San Francisco (Jct. I-280)

Floribunda Avenue Intersection Improvements / Burlingame (~ SM 13.683)

In December 2014, the CTC was provided the ability to comment on a draft EIR regarding a project in San Mateo County that will widen the intersection and install traffic signals on Route 82 at Floribunda Avenue in the city of Burlingame and the town of Hillsborough. The project is programmed in the 2014 State Highway Operation and Protection Program. The total estimated cost is $5,837,000 for capital and support. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2015-16. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2014 State Highway Operation and Protection Program. The decision to prepare an EIR was made due to a substantial amount of public controversy surrounding the project associated with the proposed removal of five historic trees. To mitigate this specific concernt, five replacement trees of an approved variety will be planted in the Halston-Ralston Eucalyptus Tree Rows along Route 82. Alternatives considered for the proposed project include:

Build Alternative – This alternative proposes to widen Route 82 at the Floribund Avenue intersection in order to install left-turn pockets and left-turn signals in the northbound and southbound directions.
No Build Alternative .

In December 2019, the CTC had the following SHOPP amendment on its agenda: 04-SM-82 13.7 PPNO 0686. Proj ID 0400002011 EA 1G020. On Route 82 Near Burlingame and Hillsborough city limits, at the intersection of Route 82 and Floribunda Avenue. Install left turn signal. Note: Delete project. An 18-month study period concluded that the identified safety issue can be resolved by prohibiting the left-turn movement at this intersection. There is no need to proceed further with this project.
(Source: December 2019 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1d) Item 18)