More Safety-Related Transportation Projects

Reduced School Zone Speed Limits – Implemented

The City strives to create a safer environment around schools for students by promoting safe driving near schools and reducing speed limits. Through this project, speed limits near schools will be reduced to 15 miles per hour when children are present. Find out where the speed limits are reduced and how you can help promote safety near schools on our Slow for Students webpage.

Alameda de las Pulgas Quick-Build Safety Improvements - Fall 2026

Project Update

As of October 2026, the City has completed installation of quick-build safety improvements at four intersections on Alameda de las Pulgas to make these crossings safer for all users: 

• Alameda de las Pulgas and Aragon Boulevard  
• Alameda de las Pulgas and Hobart Avenue  
• Alameda de las Pulgas and Nevada Avenue 
• Alameda de las Pulgas and Kentucky Avenue 

Quick-build projects prioritize rapid implementation of low-cost safety improvements with flexibility to make adjustments based on how they work and community feedback. 

What We Added

Alameda de las Pulgas and Nevada Avenue, Kentucky Avenue, Aragon Boulevard

These improvements have been completed at all three locations:

• Exclusive East-West Pedestrian Phase: All vehicles stop while people cross Alameda de las Pulgas.
• No Right Turn on Red: Drivers wait for the green light before turning right. This keeps the crosswalk clear.
• Centerline Hardening: Curbs and posts on the centerline slow left turns and tighten turning paths.
• Red Curb: No parking is allowed at red curbs. Helps drivers see pedestrians who are about to cross.

Alameda de las Pulgas and Hobart Avenue

• Red Curb: No parking is allowed at red curbs. Helps drivers see pedestrians who are about to cross.
• New Crossing Signs: Alert vehicles to pedestrians.
• New Road Markings: Remind vehicles to yield to people in the crosswalk.

What to Expect

• At Nevada Avenue, Kentucky Avenue, and Aragon Boulevard, right turns are no longer permitted.
• You may wait a little longer at the traffic signals while people cross. Please plan extra time.

Tell Us What You Think 

We want to hear how the changes are working. Share your feedback through My San Mateo. Select the “Traffic Engineering” category, then “Intersection Safety Concern.”

Alameda de las Pulgas Corridor – Phased Safety Improvements

Staff are implementing a phased series of safety improvements along the Alameda de las Pulgas corridor, as follows:

• Immediate Term:

• 31st Avenue Safe Routes to School Corridor Improvements: Traffic calming improvements are planned on 31st Avenue in front of Hillsdale High School, along with signalization and other intersection safety improvements at 31st & Alameda de las Pulgas. Design consultant selection is currently underway.
• Hillsdale Boulevard & Alameda de las Pulgas Intersection Safety Improvements: This project will install a new traffic signal, protected bike lane facilities, and updated pedestrian ramps to enhance safety for all users and reduce congestion through the intersection. The project is currently out to bid, with award anticipated in mid-November and construction expected to be completed in 2027.
• Alameda and Hobart Crosswalk Improvement [Quick-Build]: Signage and yield pavement markings will be installed at Alameda de las Pulgas & Hobart Street to improve existing crosswalk visibility. See the above section: Alameda de las Pulgas Quick-Build Safety Improvements - Fall 2026 for current updates.
• Alameda and Aragon Analysis [Quick-Build]:  The City is conducting an accelerated review of the Alameda de las Pulgas & Aragon Boulevard intersection to evaluate potential near-term enhancements. As part of this effort, staff is looking at options such as roadway markings, centerline delineation and signage that could be implemented within the Quick-Build program guidelines of under 6 months. Where existing traffic signal equipment allows, staff will also evaluate possible changes to signal operations that could separate pedestrian and vehicle movements at the intersection. See the above section: Alameda de las Pulgas Quick-Build Safety Improvements - Fall 2026 for current updates. 
• Signalized Intersections North of Barneson Ave [Quick-Build]: The City is also reviewing other signalized intersections along Alameda de las Pulgas north of Barneson Avenue for potential changes, similar to those proposed at Alameda and Aragon described above. Following evaluation, the City would aim to deliver these improvements within the Quick-Build program guidelines of under 6 months. More extensive signal improvements, such as dedicated left turns or pedestrian signal heads, would be considered as part of future capital improvement projects rather than as part of the quick build program, if warranted

• Medium Term:

• Alameda and Barneson Intersection Safety Improvement: An Intersection Multimodal Safety Improvement Project is planned at Barneson Avenue & Alameda de las Pulgas. This will include the installation of a new traffic signal and pedestrian-focused improvements. Funding for design has been requested for fiscal year 2027-2028 CIP budget.
• Alameda and Hobart Crosswalk Improvement: This project will relocate the existing crosswalk approximately 30 feet north and install new curb ramps long with rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs). It is estimated to be completed in fall of 2027.

• Long Term:

• Multimodal Complete Streets Project [Unfunded]: The corridor is identified in the City's adopted Bicycle Master Plan, shaped by significant community outreach, for bike facilities. The Project was ranked as top five priority in the County's Countywide Transportation Plan, reflecting its regional significance and supporting future funding eligibility.

Intersection Safety Improvements

17^th Avenue and El Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvements - Design

The City is working collaboratively with Caltrans, which owns and operates El Camino Real (State Route 82), to make the El Camino Real and 17th Avenue / Bovet Road intersection safer for everyone who walks, bikes, or drives through it. Improvements are being delivered in phases.

Completed: Exclusive Pedestrian Phase

On June 1, Caltrans reprogrammed the traffic signal to add an exclusive east-west pedestrian phase. This completely separates pedestrians from vehicles during the walk cycle, reducing conflicts. Drivers may experience longer wait times, particularly in the southbound direction on El Camino Real and the westbound direction on 17th Avenue.

In Progress: Second Phase of Safety Improvements

Caltrans is moving forward with additional improvements that build on the earlier upgrades:

• Easier-to-see signals: Reflective borders will be added to signal backplates on all approaches so drivers can spot the signals sooner.
• Clearer turns, safer crossings: Faded turn arrow markings will be refreshed, and a new "Yield to Pedestrian" sign will remind turning drivers to watch for people in the crosswalk.
• Better sightlines: About 230 feet of new red curb will be added on Bovet Road, and existing red curb will be refreshed, to keep sightlines clear on the intersection approach.
• Sharper lane guidance: New limit lines at all four approaches and yellow dotted extension lines for the left-turn lanes will help keep drivers positioned safely and predictably.
• Safer cycling: Bicycle boulevard markings on 17th Avenue will be refreshed so drivers and cyclists can better share the road.

These improvements are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Longer-Term Improvement

Protected left-turn signals will be installed for westbound and eastbound traffic on 17th Avenue and Bovet Road as part of Caltrans' planned State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP) project. The new signals will provide a dedicated left-turn phase that separates left-turning vehicles from opposing through traffic and pedestrian movements. This work requires more extensive construction and signal modifications. It is expected to support pedestrian safety while helping maintain traffic flow through the intersection.

Next Steps

The exclusive pedestrian phase signal timing will continue to be closely monitored following implementation. The City and Caltrans will continue to hold monthly coordination meetings to address safety concerns along El Camino Real.

Delaware Street and State Street Intersection Safety Improvements – Design

The City is advancing safety upgrades at the Delaware Street and State Street intersection to improve pedestrian visibility and shorten crossing distances.

Completed Immediate Improvements
 These quick-build improvements were installed by City maintenance staff:

• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at north and south crosswalks 
• Shortened pedestrian crossings will be achieved by removing ~130 feet of curbside lane and associated parking spaces in the northbound direction and implementing paint and post curb extensions at the northwest and southwest corners of the intersection. This will reduce crossing distance by over 50% 
• Upgraded intersection lighting for better nighttime visibility

Near-Term Improvements (9–12+ months)
 Permanent upgrades planned as a future capital project:

• Concrete curb extensions at north and south crosswalks 
• High-visibility yellow crosswalks 
• New ADA-compliant curb ramps 
• Red curbs (no parking) near crosswalks to improve sightlines

Monte Diablo Avenue and San Mateo Drive Intersection Safety Improvements – Completed 

Intersection traffic control has been converted from two-way stop control to all-way stop control, improving multimodal safety at the intersection. 

Palm Avenue and 9th Avenue Intersection Safety Improvements – Completed

New safety improvements are now in place at the intersection of Palm Avenue and 9th Avenue. The project responds to community concerns about vehicle turning speeds, driver behavior, and reported near-misses between pedestrians and vehicles, especially for those accessing Central Park. Improvements include:

• New striping and flexible delineators that tighten the southwest corner, shorten the crosswalk, and encourage slower turns.
• Extended striping to the intersection to boost visibility and awareness of bicyclists.
• No reduction in the number of travel lanes.
• Removal of one on-street parking space on Palm Avenue to make room for the new safety features.
• Additional intersection upgrades are planned as part of the City's 2027 street paving project.

Poplar Avenue & Humboldt Street Intersection Safety Improvements webpage  - Completed

This project delivered targeted safety upgrades at an intersection identified as one of the top three highest-priority locations in the City’s Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP). Improvements included protected left-turn signals, leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and enhanced visibility treatments to reduce conflicts and improve safety for all users. Construction was completed in 2025.

3rd Avenue & Norfolk Street Intersection Safety Improvements webpage - Completed

Targeted safety upgrades at this key intersection are designed to improve visibility, clarify vehicle movements, and reduce conflict points between vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. This project responds to needs identified through the Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) and supports safer access in the downtown area.

Peninsula Avenue & Delaware Street Intersection Improvements webpage - Design

Improvements at this major intersection focus on enhancing safety and access for all users. The intersection was identified as a Tier 1 priority, ranked 7th among the top ten highest priority intersections for safety improvements in the LRSP. Potential improvements include updated signal visibility hardware, left-turn signal arrows, high-visibility crosswalks, new pedestrian ramps, curb extensions, and sidewalk repairs.

Bicycle & Active Transportation Improvements

19th Avenue–Fashion Island Bike Project webpage  - Design

Enhances multimodal travel along a key east-west corridor by improving bicycle facilities and refining traffic operations. The project supports safer, more comfortable biking connections across the city.

28th Avenue / Hillsdale Caltrain Station Bicycle Access Gap Closure webpage - Design

Closes a critical gap in bicycle access to the Hillsdale Caltrain Station, improving first- and last-mile connectivity and reducing conflicts between users near the station area.

Safe Routes to School Improvements

Delaware Street Safe Routes to School Corridor Bicycle Improvements webpage - Construction

Enhances safety along a key school corridor through bicycle infrastructure and traffic calming measures. This project builds on implemented reduced school zone speed limits and reinforces the City’s commitment to student safety.

Rail Crossing Safety

Train Quiet Zone Program webpage - Design

Implements safety upgrades at rail crossings that allow the establishment of quiet zones while maintaining required safety standards. Improvements at crossings enhance protection for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.

Street Rehabilitation Supporting Safety

Street Rehabilitation Supporting Safety webpage

The City’s pavement rehabilitation program improves roadway surface conditions, extends the life of streets, and enhances safety for all users. Resurfacing projects provide opportunities to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian improvements where feasible, including updated striping, high-visibility crosswalks, lane markings, and traffic calming elements. These coordinated rehabilitation efforts ensure that street maintenance not only preserves infrastructure but also contributes to safer travel for people walking, biking, and driving.

Transportation Capital Improvement Project Major Milestones

• Peninsula Avenue & Delaware Street (construction expected early 2027): A top 7 priority location in the City's Local Roadway Safety Plan, this project will add protected left-turn signals along Peninsula Avenue, and a new northbound right-turn signal to protect pedestrians crossing Peninsula Avenue. Additional improvements include a widened sidewalk on the southeast corner, curb extensions on Dwight to shorten crossing distances, reconstruction of three curb ramps for ADA compliance, and an accessible pedestrian signal system. The City of Burlingame is a design and funding partner on this project. The project is currently out to bid, with award anticipated in early December.
• Humboldt Street Raised Crosswalks (construction expected early 2027):This project will install two raised crosswalks: one at Humboldt & College Avenue, and one mid-block between College Avenue and Peninsula Avenue at the Superior Courthouse (800 N Humboldt Street), to improve pedestrian safety and encourage slower vehicle speeds.
• Humboldt Streetlighting Improvements: Replacement of cobrahead roadway luminaires is 100% complete along the full corridor extent, from Peninsula Avenue to 5th Avenue. Post-top pedestrian-scale lighting has been ordered and is anticipated to follow as a subsequent phase of this lighting improvement effort. The pedestrian scale lighting is expected to be installed in winter 2026.

101 Corridor Connect Mini-Grant Awards

The City of San Mateo received two awards totaling $1.7M through the 2026 101 Corridor Connect Mini-Grant Program, sponsored by SMCTA to advance bicycle and pedestrian safety projects along the Hillsdale Boulevard/US 101 corridor:

• Hillsdale Boulevard Complete Streets – $1,100,000 awarded (including SMCTA technical assistance) to advance conceptual complete streets design along Hillsdale Boulevard, including traffic signal optimization, curb extensions, safety improvements, and a Class II bike lane. The project will also analyze existing conditions along the corridor.
• Hillsdale Boulevard/US 101 Separated Bike/Ped Crossing – $600,000 awarded (including SMCTA technical assistance) to evaluate three crossing alternatives connecting Norfolk Street and Franklin Parkway: a new separated bike/ped bridge, repurposing the existing Hillsdale Boulevard bridge, or widening the existing crossing.