US 101/Peninsula Avenue Interchange Project

Current News

In May 2021, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) initiated a public review period and conducted a virtual scoping meeting to request comments on the scope and content of a planned Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA) for the proposed U.S. Highway 101/Peninsula Avenue Interchange Project in San Mateo County.

Caltrans has issued a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Notice of Preparation (NOP) with the State Clearinghouse. The NOP contains information about the project scope and planned environmental studies. 

Staff is now assessing comments collected. 

Project Description

We are proposing to relocate the existing U.S. Hwy 101 southbound on- and off-ramps from East Poplar Avenue to Peninsula Avenue in order to create a single, full-access interchange at Peninsula Avenue and Airport Boulevard. This would improve safety and traffic operations as well as reduce most typical travel times within the Peninsula Avenue interchange area for residents of both San Mateo and Burlingame. The project would also provide bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Peninsula Avenue from just west of North Humboldt Street to North Bayshore Boulevard.  When Caltrans issued the NOP, the project entered the public scoping period. Please provide your comments about the project to Caltrans.  

Project Timeline

  • January 2021 – Meetings with property/business owners and the community.
  • April 2021 – Begin environmental studies phase and hold project scoping meeting (receive formal public comments).
  • End of 2021/Early 2022 – Complete draft environmental document (receive formal public comments).
  • Fall 2022 – Finalize environmental document and determine next steps for project.
  • Potential next steps include right-of-way acquisition and project design. These cannot begin prior to completion of the environmental document and project approval.