3rd Ave. and Norfolk St. Intersection Safety Improvements

This project will modify the intersection of 3rd Ave. and Norfolk St. to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, especially for people using the 3rd Ave. overcrossing of Highway 101.

The project will also improve the bicycle connection between the intersection of 3rd Ave. and Norfolk St. and the San Mateo Creek bicycle path.

Explore the rest of the page to learn more about this project, results from our 2023 survey, and project contact information.

3rd and Norfolk Safety

Construction Complete - 4/15/2026

Please note that the new bike crossing on Norfolk at the creek is for bicycles only and is not intended for pedestrians. Pedestrians should continue to use the crosswalks at the Third and Norfolk intersection.

If you observe any unsafe condition please email or call the project manager, Kenny Tanaka, at ktanaka@cityofsanmateo.org or (650) 522-7318. 

Construction Overview

Due to the increased lead time needed to procure certain traffic signal equipment, construction was completed in three phases. 

  • Phase 1 - February to April 2025 - COMPLETE
    • Concrete work including: new sidewalk, planting strip, retaining wall, corner ramp and Norfolk median modifications
    • Installation of underground conduit and foundations for new signal poles
    • Relocation of existing street light poles
    • Installation of new drainage pipe, manhole and connections on Norfolk between 3rd Ave and the Creek Trail (partially complete) 
  • Phase 2 - June to July 2025 (some work planned when schools are out) - COMPLETE
    • Completion of drainage improvements (requires lane closures on 3rd Ave and Norfolk St)
    • Paving of southbound lanes adjacent to new sidewalk & bike path (requires detour of southbound traffic)
    • 3rd Ave median work – extending median barrier, reconstructing median nose (requires lane closures on 3rd Avenue, this work to start at the beginning of summer break)
    • Slurry seal intersection and Norfolk St. (requires shifting traffic control and lane closures)
    • New signage and street markings to be installed (bike crossings to be installed during Phase 3).
  • Phase 3 –  November 2025 – April 2026
    • Traffic signal equipment installation and modifications
    • Incorporation of all signal operations changes, including new bike signals, “no right on red” signs, new right-turn signals for southbound and eastbound movements, etc.
    • Installation of bike crossing markings
    • New bike lanes to open*
    • Operational monitoring

Project Documents and Information

Signal Operations Clip for 3rd Avenue and South Norfolk Street Intersection Safety Improvements
Please adjust your volume to hear the accompanying audio which provides an explanation of the signal operations.

3rd & Norfolk Intersection Safety Improvements Project Presentation Video

Project Contact Information:

Kenny Tanaka, Assistant Engineer
(650) 522-7318
ktanaka@cityofsanmaateo.org