The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), alongside Caltrans and local leaders, broke ground today on two major infrastructure upgrades along State Route 85 (SR 85) in South San Jose. These projects, the SR 85 Noise Reduction Program and Phase Four of the Express Lanes Program, aim to enhance traffic operations and quality of life for communities along the corridor.
The Phase Four Express Lanes project will convert six and a half miles of existing carpool lanes on SR 85 and US 101 into Express Lanes, extending VTA’s growing network of reliable commute options.
“As the Congestion Management Agency for Santa Clara County, VTA seeks to reduce congestion at a regional scale through a multimodal approach,” says VTA Deputy General Manager Greg Richardson. “We are trying to make it easier to get around our valley, whether by personal vehicle, public transit, or bicycle.”
Since launching Express Lane operations on SR 237 in 2012, VTA has led the development of a regional Express Lanes system that now stretches across multiple corridors. With this latest expansion, Santa Clara County commuters will have more access to faster, more sustainable travel options, backed by performance data.
“One of the great features of VTA express lanes is that the revenue collected from the lanes we manage helps VTA pay for future stretches of Express Lanes adding time savings for commuters up to 20 minutes– that’s significant,” says VTA Board Chair and Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez.
Express Lanes are designed to give drivers flexibility and improve flow for everyone, whether they choose to pay for a faster ride or benefit from less congested general-purpose lanes. The system also encourages carpooling and supports transit operations, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Alongside the Express Lane expansion, VTA is also beginning installation of specially treated pavement as part of a pilot program, spanning across several communities along SR 85, including Mountain View, Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, and South San Jose, to reduce freeway noise for adjacent neighborhoods, one of the most frequently raised concerns from residents along the corridor.
“The first Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) state funds will support the construction phase of the State Route(SR) 85 Express Lanes Phase 4 project, which aims to improve traffic flow while also exploring ways to reinvest toll revenue into transit and other low-carbon mobility options,” said Dina El-Tawansy, Director of Caltrans District 4. “In response to longstanding community concerns, we are also proud to support the SR-85 Noise Reduction Project, an innovative effort designed to reduce traffic noise and improve the quality of life for residents near this vital corridor.”
Both projects reinforce VTA’s broader strategy as the Congestion Management Agency for Santa Clara County by integrating land use, transportation, and environmental planning to build a more livable region.
Construction for both projects has begun and will continue in phases. Express Lanes are expected to be ready for use in 2028 and the new pavement pilot should be finished by the end of 2025.
For more information on the SR 85 projects and VTA’s Express Lanes Program, visit www.vta.org.