Commuters traversing US-101 in the coming months can expect to quickly encounter a series of roadwork disruptions as Caltrans embarks on a project to upgrade the median barriers. The agency has announced that the stretch between the San Mateo/ Santa Clara County line and Whipple Avenue will see its first 55-hour single lane closure starting July 19, from 10 p.m., and ending on July 22 at 5 a.m., Caltrans reported.
The initial weekend-long closure marks the beginning of nine scheduled 55-hour stints when the north and southbound Express Lanes (#1 lane) will be shut to traffic. It is imperative to note that the 2.4-mile closures will be performed strategically outside of Express Lane operational hours to mitigate highway travel distress, at least ostensibly. To further facilitate the work, Caltrans said there are times when an additional lane could also be closed.
Following the initial weekend, additional closures are on the books for July 26 through July 29, August 9 through August 12, and several more until the start of October. These interruptions will roll out over corresponding 2.5-mile sections along US-101. Caltrans has expressed its gratitude in advance for the cooperation of all drivers during these times. Their efforts to upgrade the barriers are essential to maintaining and improving the safety of this much-frequented corridor.
Caltrans asserts the choice to utilize the 55-hour weekend windows for closures as a more efficient option than a string of nighttime operations, which could significantly stretch the project's timeline and introduce additional hazards. Employing this approach, they aim to sharply minimize disruptions, expressing that this strategy also bolsters safety measures for on-site workers and the traveling public.
