New Peninsula Interchange-Too Expensive to Warrant Further Evaluation

As per Joint Press Release from the City of Burlingame and the City of San Mateo regarding preliminary review of alternatives for improving southbound access to and from US 101 at February 20, 2007

"The results of the study (by Hexagon Consultants) indicate that further consideration of the interchange is not warranted given the high cost of necessary property acquisition....
"The consultants analysis concluded that construction of a full Peninsula Interchange could only operate effectively if Peninsula Avenue were widened on the north side, between Humboldt St. and California Drive. This widening would result in the potential loss of on-street parking and significant right-of-way acquisition from properties fronting Peninsula. This would add considerable cost to the project that would need to be paid for by local funds."

"Adding millions of dollars in costs to a project already estimated to cost over $30 million and significantly increasing the local funding share simply made the project too expensive to pursue any further," said Burlingame City Manager Jim Nantell. San Mateo City Manager Arne Croce agreed, stating: "We have higher priorities for local funds."

***

Also see article in Daily Journal

- Written by Jen

Comments

Now I'd like to see some energy put towards an improved design of the planned four-lane overpass. San Mateo has not been very forthright with the design, (or maybe they aren't really interested in what Caltrans has planned). However, little details can make this bleak design much better.......Pedestrian access/bike lanes shouldn't be an afterthought, they should be one of the main beneficiaries of the change, and it isn't looking that way. Also the long span of concrete with unknown (are there any?) plant selection is not in keeping with the elegant homes surrounding the structure.

[Jbennett]

I agree with you and have been trying to do this for almost a year! We have requested greenery to cover retaining and new soundwalls to prevent graffiti, landscaping and some new trees, classic lighting, pathway under the overpass and safer and more protected pedestrian and bicycle pathways. I have also requested a side view rendering of the new overpass. So far nothing.

Now that the interchange is dead it's time to press further on these other issues. The new overpass should enhance our neighborhood and not be an eyesore. More people need to voice their opinions on this.

Please attend a Town Hall meeting on March 10th @ 10:00AM at the Burlingame Rec Center.
The subject will now be the Reconstruction of the Peninsula Overpass instead of stopping the interchange.

Great that you are holding the meeting. Thank you! There 's a lot of energy that can and should be put to use in a constructive way. Let's make sure that the new overpass is as good as it can be, and as attractive. It should not deter from the beautiful homes in that area. Most of all, let's finally get the proper access to our Bay, for everyone.

Speaking of Caltrans, has anyone heard what is happening on the Broadway end? I read in the week that the 101 auxilliary lane project in SM County had been cancelled--something about a bond. Anyhow, it is amazing that these two, very important "bridges" to the other side seem to be designed in a bubble. I think the one on the Broadway side will have a ped access, but am unsure how it will be integrated--also, no info on greenery. That is also the main entrance into Burlingame, so it should be well designed and as aesthetically pleasing as an overpass can be..........

[Jbennett]

Apparently only one bid was received for the US 101 Auxiliary lane project which includes reconstruction of Peninsula Ave. This bid came in higher than expected and the SM County Transit Authority in partnership with the State had to request more funding which I understand was granted.

The Broadway pedestrian overpass is a separate overpass for pedestrians/bicyclists only.
It will not share the roadway with cars.
It seems more logical to make Peninsula more pedestrian friendly since it borders a residential area and Coyote Point just on the other side. We will not have another opportunity to make this a great project for another 50 years.

Does that mean that the project will be delayed, but it will happen? The article wasn't clear. Humm, I wish we could have a designated ped/bike path on our side. You are right, it's the only shot to do it right.