TRAFFIC ADVISORY: SR 85 Noise Reduction Program (Aug. 19 – Sept 8, 2025)

Notice Cause
Construction
Notice Effect(s)
Detour
Lane Closure
Noise
Noise and Vibration
Traffic Delays
Start Date
End Date

Related

State Route 85 Noise Reduction Program
What
  • Main Work Hours: Most work will be done at night between the hours of 8:00 PM-5:00 AM to reduce traffic impacts. Some daytime work will happen, but it’s limited.
  • Locations: Crews will be working at multiple points along SR 85 in San Jose, focused mainly on the freeway median and shoulders.
Why

VTA crews are continuing work on the SR 85 Noise Reduction Program. Most work will take place at night between the hours of 8:00 PM-5:00 AM to reduce impacts on daytime traffic. Drivers may see construction barriers (K-rail), lane closures, and hear nighttime activity.

Community Impacts

Key Construction Activities

Barrier Work

  • Removing old concrete barriers and metal guardrails.
  • Pouring new concrete safety barriers (both machine-poured and hand-poured).
  • Adjusting barrier transitions and installing drainage under/around barriers.

Road Surface Work

  • Grinding and repaving sections with asphalt overlays.
  • Installing joint seals and polyester overlays to strengthen pavement.

Drainage & Utilities

  • Adjusting and installing stormwater inlets.
  • Installing perforated drains and geosynthetic pavement layers for stability.
  • Adding trash capture devices for water quality improvements.
  • Potholing utilities to confirm locations.

Traffic Control

  • Placing and shifting K-rail (temporary concrete barriers) for safe work zones.
  • Installing signage and handling traffic management.

Miscellaneous

  • Removing ivy and vegetation from ramps.
  • Removing old electrical boxes.

When to Expect Work

Weeks of Aug. 19 – Sept. 8, 2025

  • Barrier pours and drainage work are ongoing most nights.
  • Asphalt paving is planned during this period.
  • Trash capture devices are scheduled for installation.
  • Guardrail replacement at multiple locations.

Community Impacts

  • Nighttime Noise: Residents near SR 85 may hear construction activity, especially barrier removal/pouring, grinding, and paving in locations A-E (refer to the project map for work zone locations).
  • Traffic: Expect periodic lane closures at night between the hours of 8:00 PM-5:00 AM. Daytime closures will be limited but possible for specific tasks.
  • Visuals: K-rail and signage changes may be noticeable along the corridor.
Traffic Impacts

Ramp Closures & Detours:

The northbound SR 85 on-ramp at Saratoga Avenue will be closed nightly (8:00 PM–5:00 AM). Please follow detour signs.

SR85 Traffic Advisory Map (SARATOGA NORTHBOUND ON-RAMP CLOSURE)
SR 85 Traffic Advisory Map (SARATOGA NORTHBOUND ON-RAMP CLOSURE)

If you're traveling northbound on Saratoga Avenue:

  • Continue on Saratoga Ave
  • LEFT on Lawrence Expressway
  • LEFT on Prospect Rd
  • RIGHT on De Anza Blvd
  • LEFT onto NB SR 85 on-ramp

If you're traveling southbound on Saratoga Avenue:

  • Continue on Saratoga Ave
  • RIGHT on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd
  • Continue on De Anza Blvd
  • LEFT onto NB SR 85 on-ramp

Thank you for your patience while we complete these safety and noise-reduction improvements.

For updates, visit: https://www.vta.org/projects/state-route-85-noise-reduction-program

Related Projects
SR 85 Noise Reduction Program