Highway Projects

Route 85/U.S. 101 (South) Interchange Project

Field Activity Report

Overview

In South San Jose, this project constructs high occupancy vehicle (HOV) direct connector ramps from northbound U.S. 101 to northbound Route 85 and from southbound Route 85 to southbound U.S. 101. In addition, this project constructs a mixed-flow connector from southbound U.S. 101 to northbound Route 85.

To coordinate design and construction with the adjacent U.S. 101 Widening Project, the widening of U.S. 101 between Metcalf Road and Bernal Road was included in the Route 85/U.S. 101 (South) Interchange Project.

Project Objective

To improve traffic flow in this area by providing direct access between Route 85 and U.S. 101, and to alleviate congestion on U.S. 101, between Metcalf Road and Bernal Road, by expanding the highway to eight lanes.

Project Features

An HOV direct connector ramp enables high occupancy vehicles (cars with at least two occupants, shuttles, and buses) to move directly from one freeway HOV lane to another, without leaving the commuter lane to exit the freeway only to merge back into the HOV lane on the next freeway. HOV direct connectors are structures that provide uninterrupted HOV access between freeways.

Traffic studies indicate that the direct HOV connector ramps from northbound U.S. 101 to northbound Route 85 and from southbound Route 85 to southbound U.S. 101 would actually be more effective in reducing traffic congestion in this area, and would promote carpooling in this corridor. Studies also indicate a connector from southbound U.S. 101 to northbound Route 85 would be beneficial for traffic currently using local streets for commute purposes.

Maintenance of Traffic Flow

For the safety of the public and construction workers, traffic control measures (such as temporary lane closures and detours) will be used when needed. Contractors would make every effort to maintain access and minimize disruptions.

Operations

Caltrans operates and maintains the new highway interchange.

The use of HOV direct connector ramps will be restricted during commute hours (commonly weekdays between 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) to vehicles carrying two or more occupants.

Capital Cost/Project Funding

$68.4 million; $43.1 million in 1996 Measure B funds and $25 million from the State Traffic Congestion Relief Program (TCRP) funding, $0.1 million from the City of San Jose and $0.2 million from State Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation (EEM) grant funds.

Project Schedule

Construction begins: March 2002

Northbound U.S. 101 to northbound Route 85 HOV direct connector ramp and southbound U.S. 101 to northbound Route 85 connector ramp completed: September 2004

Southbound Route 85 to southbound U.S. 101 HOV direct connector ramp completed: October 2004

Highway Landscaping Project
Construction started: Early 2005
Project complete: Early 2006
Three year planting establishment through early 2009.

How to Reach Us

For more information on the highway projects or existing bus and rail transit service, call VTA Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575, TDD only (408) 321-2330.