Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Regional Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Caltrans updates: 101/25 interchange funding, median barrier timeline and new safety/environmental projects
Summary
Caltrans briefed the COG on several projects: the VTA‑led 101/25 interchange is in construction with $136 million for phase one, Rocks Road wildlife connectivity and a polyester median barrier project are in design/environmental phases, and a new US‑101 pavement rehabilitation project is beginning study.
Caltrans District 5 gave a multi‑project briefing at the Council of Governments meeting on March 20 covering projects that affect San Benito County and neighboring jurisdictions.
Key items:
- 101/25 interchange (VTA lead). The first phase is under construction with a total phase‑one budget of $136,000,000: $77,000,000 from Santa Clara Measure B and $59,000,000 from a Senate Bill 1 competitive grant, Caltrans staff said. Construction is expected to continue through fall 2027.
- US‑101 Rocks Road wildlife connectivity. Environmental studies are underway and early design work has begun.
- Polyester median barrier project. Caltrans completed a project initiation document and is entering the design phase; construction is tentatively planned for 2027.
- US‑101 pavement rehabilitation. Caltrans added a new county‑wide pavement rehabilitation project to the update covering roughly 30 lane miles; the effort includes pavement work plus associated guardrail, drainage and safety enhancements and is in early environmental and preliminary design phases.
Caltrans staff said district funding priorities and statewide competition for interregional improvement funds mean many large‑capacity projects must find regional or external partners to proceed. The district reiterated openness to partnerships but cautioned that realistic funding paths are required for projects to be programmed.
Ending: Caltrans said project fact sheets and additional contact information will be circulated; the agency encouraged jurisdictions to coordinate regionally on priorities and funding strategies.
