Los Altos Hills residents gear up as the Robleda-Burke Area Evacuation Route project gets underway. In an effort to bolster defenses against wildfires and enhance disaster preparedness, weekday disruptions are set to begin, as reported by the Santa Clara County Fire Department's post. The project, which started today, will stretch through to December 6, with crews out in force between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

🚨LOS ALTOS HILLS TRAFFIC ALERT: The Robleda-Burke Area Evacuation Route project kicks off today (11/27) and will take place Mondays through Fridays between 8am and 4pm through December 6, 2023. More info: https://t.co/Zowv7Kal3t. 📷: Courtesy of @AltosFire pic.twitter.com/v6mBtdz2xd

— Santa Clara County Fire (@sccfiredept) November 27, 2023

Detailing the collaboration between the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council and the Los Altos Hills County Fire District, among others, the initiative aims to trim trees, clear dead material, and remove roadside debris to create reliable evacuation routes. According to a media release by the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council and Los Altos Hills County Fire District, the project is a preventive measure to ensure safe passage for residents and first responders in case of an emergency, further aiming to reduce the chances of roadside fires.

Travel on six key roads, including Robleda Road, Chapin Road, and Fremont Road, will be affected, with traffic expected to slow down considerably in the work zones. As motorists face the brunt of these critical safety measures, residents have been urged to play it safe and plan for additional travel time. The evacuation route project not only aims to secure quick exits during calamities but also connects to a network of enhanced roadways completed over the year. Robleda Road, for instance, will see work from Elena Road all the way to Fremont Road.

For those planning to navigate through these areas, be ready for some stop-and-go. Traffic control will be in place throughout the project's duration, with alternating lane closures as the crews make their way through each section. Motorists are advised to be alert and patient while passing through these neighborhoods, given that the work is heavily dependent on weather and holiday schedules. Echoing the need for caution, the Los Altos Hills County Fire District's media release implores residents to remain clear of the "cone zone" at all times as crews work diligently to protect lives and property.