As the second initiative under the 101 Corridor Connect program, San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) developed the US 101 San Mateo County Crossing Improvement Plan (Active 101). US 101 is the busiest corridor in San Mateo County but, the freeway itself can be a barrier for people walking, rolling, biking, and taking transit. This effort was funded in part by a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning grant.
Project Overview
Active transportation refers to human-powered mobility, such as biking, walking or rolling. By improving active transportation infrastructure, SMCTA is striving to help create vibrant communities that provide safe, comfortable, convenient, reliable, efficient, and affordable ways for people to get around. Active 101 aims to identify crossing and corridor improvements needed to enhance active transportation conditions near US 101.
Active 101 built on adopted local and regional planning documents, capital improvement programs, and input from partner agencies and stakeholders, and evaluated projects intended to improve mobility across the county but that currently lack funding, coordination, or other resources to move forward. Through community engagement, stakeholder feedback, and collaboration with local jurisdictions, these projects were integrated into a cohesive north-south Priority Network with key supporting crossings designed to improve connections across US 101 and ensure a safer, more seamless experience for people walking, biking, and rolling.
To fully build out the Priority Network, there are approximately 27 miles of bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects that would need to be completed through the implementation of 83 identified projects between Brisbane and East Palo Alto. All projects that are part of the Priority Network are designated as priority projects under the 101 Corridor Connect Program, emphasizing their regional significance and helping ensure their implementation is strategic and effective.
Following development of the Active 101 Priority Network, six projects were selected to advance into conceptual design to model how Active 101 projects can move into the next phases of design. Five of the six projects are in SB 535 disadvantaged communities, which are low-income areas identified by the state of California based on environmental and socioeconomic factors, in alignment with the equity focus of Active 101.
These projects include:
- Gateway Boulevard (South San Francisco)
- San Bruno Avenue Interchange (San Bruno)
- Saratoga Drive (San Mateo)
- Industrial Road (San Carlos, Redwood City, Belmont, and San Mateo County)
- Bay Road (Redwood City and San Mateo County)
- East Bayshore Road (East Palo Alto)
Project Update
In March 2026, the SMCTA Board of Directors adopted the U.S. 101 San Mateo County Crossings Improvement Plan (Active 101).
Your feedback was essential in shaping the final Plan, which is available below for reference.
Project Priorities
- Safety: Striving to eliminate collisions for the most vulnerable road users, including people who walk, bike, and use mobility devices near US 101.
- Connectivity: Bridging critical gaps in local, countywide, and regional active transportation networks to ensure seamless transportation.
- Sustainability: Providing alternative options for people to make short trips without relying on a car, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.
- Inclusivity: Enhancing access for underserved communities and expanding mobility opportunities for individuals without access to a car.
Community Engagement Timeline
- Fall 2024 - Winter 2025: Key crossing improvements selection and Countywide Corridor development
- Fall 2025: Provide feedback on concept designs for priority projects
- Winter 2026: Review Draft Active 101 Plan
- Spring 2026: Adopt final Active 101 Plan
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
For more information or any questions, please contact the San Mateo County Transit District Customer Service at: 1-800-660-4287 or email info@smcta.com.