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

Field Activity Report

Congestion Relief in Mountain View: New freeway direct connector and two off-ramps to open on the Route 85/U.S. 101 North Interchange Project (released January 27, 2006)

Overview

This project will improve "mainline weaving operations" and increase the capacity of the Route 85/U.S. 101 interchange in Mountain View while maintaining the existing local interchange access at Old Middlefield Way, North Shoreline Boulevard, and Moffett Boulevard.

The Project:

• Replaces the Route 85/U.S. 101 connector
• Modifies interchange ramps at Moffett Boulevard, North Shoreline Boulevard and Old Middlefield Way
• Constructs auxiliary lanes and high occupancy vehicle (HOV) direct-connector ramps from northbound Route 85 to northbound U.S. 101 and southbound U.S. 101 to southbound Route 85.

Project Objective

To reduce traffic congestion as well as improve interchange access and safety.

Project Features

"Mainline weaving operations" refers to the competing movements of cars trying to enter and exit the freeway on the same stretch of roadway. This project will separate these traffic movements by modifying interchange ramps, constructing a new freeway-to-freeway connector and adding special auxiliary lanes to provide additional room for motorists entering or exiting the freeway.

A direct connector between Route 85 and U.S. 101 for high occupancy vehicles (HOV, those cars with at least two occupants, shuttles and buses) will be designed as part of the total project package, but will be funded separately. HOV direct connectors are structures that provide uninterrupted HOV access between freeways.

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 will make every effort to maintain access and minimize disruptions.

Operations

Upon completion, Caltrans would operate and maintain the new highway interchange.

Use of HOV lanes is restricted during commute hours (commonly 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

$125.3 million: $97.6 million from 1996 Measure B funding local sales tax funding, $25.0 million from Swapped State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and $2.6 million in Swap funds.

Project Schedule:

Construction started: January 2003
Project complete: Spring 2006

How to Reach Us:

For more information on this highway project, please contact VTA Community Outreach (408) 321-7575, TDD for the hearing impaired (408) 321-2330. You may also email us at community.outreach@vta.org.

For information regarding existing light rail and bus transit service, please contact VTA Customer Service (408) 321-2300, TDD for the hearing impaired (408) 321-2330.