July 1, 2022 – Through Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Mullin’s advocacy, Belmont secured transportation funding as part of the State's new fiscal year budget in support of a Peninsula traffic congestion and safety enhancement project that has been in the works for almost a decade.

Since 2014, City of Belmont and City of San Carlos, along with San Carlos School District and Sequoia Union High School District, have been the active working group aiming to solve traffic delays and enhance safety of people walking and biking in the corridor from Ralston Avenue along Alameda de las Pulgas to the San Carlos Ave/Cranfield Drive intersection.

The Alameda de Las Pulgas Corridor Improvement Project proposes to replace three stop-controlled intersections with mini-roundabouts at: Alameda de las Pulgas and El Verano Way, Chula Vista Drive, and Cranfield Avenue. The plans also propose to convert the stop-controlled intersection at Alameda de las Pulgas and Carlmont Drive to a signalized intersection to improve pedestrian safety and decrease vehicle delay during peak hour.

Additional improvements include repaving of the Alameda corridor from Ralston Avenue to San Carlos Avenue and building new sidewalks and bike lanes between San Carlos Avenue and Chula Vista Drive. All curb ramps along the corridor, including at specialty roundabout pedestrian crossings, will be designed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. The design will add buffered class II bike lanes where feasible and green conflict striping at areas of potential conflicts to increase visibility and provide a safer path of travel for bicycle use, thereby creating a safer route to school and improving bicycle connections and walkability of the area to school campuses along the corridor.

“I'm overjoyed by the news that Belmont is the recipient of this much-needed funding to improve the Alameda de las Pulgas corridor, funding that will go a long way to modernizing safe travel through this busy commute hub in our city,” said Belmont’s Mayor Julia Mates.

“We’re thrilled to have secured funding for these important safety improvements along Alameda de las Pulgas. This will further our mission to be a more pedestrian and bicycle friendly city, and will help protect the many students who commute to school along this route,” said San Carlos Mayor Sara McDowell.

The working group collected data in the project areas between 2014 and 2016 and continued to evaluate with school district officials on pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular circulation issues. In 2021, BKF Engineering joined the team for the initial design and to prepare for the public feedback period before the design is finalized in 2023. Total funding is estimated to be between $7-8 Million, making the state contribution significant seed money to construct this long-awaited project.

“Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Mullin’s support proves we’re on the right path toward providing the needed community infrastructure,” said Belmont’s City Manager Afshin Oskoui. “His support and advocacy on behalf of our community, and partner agencies, secures this infrastructure and mobility priority and illustrates a tangible example of thoughtful and collaborative project approach among neighboring cities on the Peninsula.” 

The working group now looks to a public feedback process to start this year, finalizing design in 2023, and beginning construction in 2024, dependent on finalizing funding and project phasing. Full details, schedule, and project documents can be found at www.Belmont.gov/AlamedaCorridor.

The Belmont Story

The City of Belmont is located on the San Francisco Peninsula and combines the magnificent views of the Northern Santa Cruz mountains and San Francisco Bay with the strength and resilience of a long-established population of 27,110. The 130-city staff and leadership are dedicated to providing Belmont with sound infrastructure and well-connected mobility options, building upon our major corridors. Belmont is developing a thriving business community, while balancing sustainable fiscal operations and maintaining safe and healthy neighborhoods with a rich selection of recreational and cultural opportunities. These priorities work together to create a vibrant and enjoyable quality of life that is uniquely Belmont. For more information, please visit www.belmont.gov.