Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ann M. Stillman, Director of Public Works
Subject: Alpine Road Corridor Improvement Project - Grant Application
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution supporting an application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) for the 2025 Measure A and Measure W Highway Program Funding for the Project Approval and Environmental Document Phase of the Alpine Road Corridor Improvement Project.
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BACKGROUND:
Alpine Road is a heavily utilized arterial in San Mateo County (County). By virtue of its intersection with Interstate 280 it provides regional access to and from Menlo Park, Stanford University, and Portola Valley. It also provides direct local access to the communities of Stanford Weekend Acres and Ladera, both located in the unincorporated County area.
The Department of Public Works (Department) performed a comprehensive corridor study from 2015 to 2017 on the unincorporated portion of Alpine Road from approximately 1,500 feet south of Junipero Serra Boulevard (unincorporated County/City of Menlo Park limit) to approximately 1,000 feet south of La Mesa Drive (unincorporated County/Town of Portola Valley limit). The goals were to improve access and connectivity and reduce mobility barriers for all types of travel, including pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular, public transit; to improve walkability and bikeability; to improve access to Alpine Road from side streets; and to improve intersections along Alpine Road. The Alpine Road Corridor Study (Study) was completed in March 2017. The Study identified several phases for implementation. Phase I included minor and lower cost improvements that could be implemented on a near-term basis. Phase II included larger long-term improvements that come with higher cost, environmental requirements, or other administrative requirements such as coordination with Caltrans.
The safety improvements identified in Phase I, Tier I, of the Study were implemented by the Department between 2017 and 2021. Improvements such as reducing the speed limit to 35 miles per hour, installation of radar speed feedback signs, “keep clear” pavement markings at intersections, and updated high-visibility “ladder-style” crosswalks with Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons units in Ladera were completed. The Department continued to improve the corridor by implementing bicycle lane improvements with green conflict striping and bicycle lane buffers in 2023.
On November 15, 2022, this Board adopted Resolution No. 079319 supporting the Alpine Road Corridor Improvement Project (Project), authorizing submittal of a funding application for the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) 2022 Measure A and Measure W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Call for Projects to develop a Project Initiation Document (PID) and committed $100,000 in matching funds. The County was awarded funding from the SMCTA for the PID phase of the Project and began work on the PID in 2023 with technical assistance from the SMCTA. The PID is the first step in the Caltrans project delivery process and provides the basis for scope, cost, and schedule for projects on the State Highway System. Because the Project includes consideration of improvements at Alpine Road and the on and off ramps to Highway 280, complying with the Caltrans project delivery process is prudent. The PID phase evaluated viable alternatives for the Project and the scope of engineering, traffic, and environmental technical studies required in the following Project Approval & Environmental Document (PA&ED) phase.
On September 24, 2024, this Board adopted Resolution No. 080669 supporting an application to the SMCTA for Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding for the PA&ED phase of the Project.
DISCUSSION:
The PID phase was completed and approved by Caltrans in August of 2025. Approval of a PID by Caltrans authorizes a project to move into the PA&ED phase, where the project is cleared environmentally, and the preferred alternative is selected. Obtaining Caltrans approval for the Project better positions the County and Department for future grant funding opportunities to implement the Project, which may include state or regional grants.
The Department applied for SMCTA Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding for the PA&ED phase of the Project and was awarded $2,000,000 for the PA&ED phase, with a required 10 percent (10%) match in the amount of $200,000 for a total Project cost of $2,200,000.
On July 11, 2025, SMCTA issued a Call for Projects for Measure A and Measure W Highway Program (Highway Program) funds. Up to $200 million may be made available between both measures for projects that best meet the program evaluation criteria.
SMCTA met with County staff and recommended that the County prepare a funding application for the Highway Program for the Project as more funds were available. If awarded funds from the Highway Program, the $2,000,000 funding awarded from the Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program would be returned to the SMCTA for other applicants.
The Department is seeking Board approval to submit a grant application for the SMCTA 2025 Measure A and Measure W Highway Program for the Project’s PA&ED phase.
The Department proposes to apply for $4,950,000 in Highway Program funding. The grant application requires a ten percent (10%) local match in the amount of $550,000 for a total cost of $5,500,000 to complete the PA&ED Project phase. Additional funding would be required for future phases of the Project including design and construction of the Project.
The Planning and Building Department intends to submit a funding request to the SMCTA’s Highway Program for the Moss Beach SR-1 Congestion and Safety Improvements Project, which has been brought to the Board for consideration separately. Staff are coordinating on both project applications.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The Project will positively impact residents and visitors in Stanford Weekend Acres and Ladera, which include youth, adults, and those with limited access to a vehicle by increasing multimodal transportation options to access various local points of interest. Additionally, the Project will positively impact vehicles traveling to and from Menlo Park, Stanford University, and Portola Valley. The Project seeks to improve conditions for all roadway users.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Should the grant be awarded, the local match requirement of $550,000 would be provided by the Road Fund.
There is no impact to the General Fund.