SAN JOSE
– A wider U.S. 101 between Morgan Hill and San Jose is only a
few days away.
SAN JOSE – A wider U.S. 101 between Morgan Hill and San Jose is only a few days away.
Commuters headed southbound from San Jose should see the first section of the newly widened highway open near the Metcalf overcrossing by March 14, according to the Valley Transportation Authority.
The northbound lanes are expected to open within two months.
The U.S. 101 widening project adds an additional mixed-use lane and a carpool lane in each direction, and is expected to bring relief to drivers who have struggled with traffic congestion in the corridor for years.
“This project is a tremendous benefit to my constituents,” said District 1 County Supervisor Don Gage, a VTA board member. “It will cut down commute time and allow South County residents to spend less time on the road and more time with their families.”
When the work to widen the U.S. 101 between Bernal Road in San Jose and Cochrane Road in Morgan Hill is completed in both directions, VTA officials estimate it will save two-way, peak-hour commuters an estimated 21 minutes a day in the car on average.
Morning northbound average speeds should increase from 28 mph, to 65 mph, reducing travel time by 12 minutes. During the afternoon southbound commute, average speeds will increase from 35 mph, to 65 mph, thereby reducing travel time by nine minutes.
The main portion of the widening project is estimated to cost $52.2 million and is funded by the Measure B half-cent sales tax approved by Santa Clara County voters in 1996.
A new interchange project where U.S. 101 meets state Highway 85 is expected to be complete in 2004, and will extend carpool lanes all the way to Redwood City.
