The San Mateo County Transportation Authority Board yesterday approved $82.7 million in funding for highway projects that will reduce congestion and improve safety on key commute corridors throughout the County.
Twenty-three projects and plans were selected through a rigorous review process that began in May.
The broad mix of projects includes some that will begin construction within the next 18 months and others that are various stages of planning. The projects include improvements to six local roadways, and eight highway interchanges as well as seven that are in development. A little more than $57 million of the funds are allocated. An additional $25 million is committed to projects that need to meet certain funding conditions before the money can be released.
“By programming funds for future projects we are building a ‘pipeline’ that will set the course for our capital improvement program for the next 25 years,” said TA Chair Carole Groom.
The Broadway Interchange will receive $36 million in TA funds. The new seven-lane overcrossing will include bike lanes and sidewalks, reconfigured on- and off-ramps and ramp meters. Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in spring 2014.
Funds to add a second east-bound lane to Triton Drive between Foster City Boulevard and Pilgrim Drive in Foster City also were approved.
Funds also were allocated to widen San Pedro Creek in Pacifica to help prevent flooding. A new bridge with a bike and pedestrian lane will be built to replace the old bridge.
The Board was asked to consider funding improvements to the bike lane on Alpine Road and Interstate 280. Although the project did not meet the criteria for funding, the TA worked with other agencies to identify funds for the improvements.
The selection process was guided by a short range highway plan adopted by the board last year. The recommendations were reviewed by the key stakeholders and the TA Citizens Advisory Committee before being presented to the Board for review in September.
One of the keys to Measure A success is its ability to attract matching funds. Since the reauthorized measure went into effect in 2009, it is estimated that Measure A dollars have attracted an additional $47.9 million for highway and road improvements in the County.
The TA is an independent agency and is governed by an appointed board of seven directors, who are elected officials, representing the county, cities and the San Mateo County Transit District. A complete list of projects approved for funding are listed on the TA website: www.smcta.com
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