Getting to and around the historic City of Half Moon Bay is about to get easier, thanks to a multi-million dollar highway improvement project. A kick-off to celebrate the start of construction was held today at the site, near the intersection of Highway 92 and Highway 1.

Highway 92, which connects Half Moon Bay with the Peninsula, crosses two main arterials at the entrance to Half Moon Bay – Main Street and Highway 1. The project will reconfigure these busy intersections to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety.

The two intersections, less than one-fourth mile apart, mark the gateway to the coastal city’s picturesque downtown. In addition to improved traffic flow, the project also will provide better access for bicycles and pedestrians.

From Highway 92 will be widened between the two intersections from two to four lanes in the area around the intersection. Northbound Main Street also will be widened to provide bike lanes and sidewalks. A new left-turn lane will be added on southbound Highway 1 at Highway 92 and the traffic signals will be modified. As part of the project, overhead utilities will be relocated under ground, and decorative street lighting and other landscaping will be installed.

“Highway 92 is one of the Coastside’s most critical arteries,” said Half Moon Bay Mayor Marina Fraser. “I am proud of our collaboration with the TA, San Mateo County, Caltrans and the City/County Association of Governments to secure the funding that made this project possible.”

San Mateo City Councilman and TA Chair John Lee echoed the Mayor’s sentiments. “This project is a great example of how partnerships can fulfill the needs of the community,” said Lee.

The $21.8 million project is funded by a combination of sources, with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority contributing $12.6 million and the City of Half Moon Bay providing $3.4 million. The balance of the funds is coming from local, state and federal sources.

Enacted by the voters in 1988, Measure A is a 20-year half-cent sales tax that has funded nine grade separation projects in the county, major highway projects, and provided more than $138 million to cities in the county for local streets and roads. Half Moon Bay has received more than $2.3 million for local street improvements during the 18-year life of the measure. The measure also helped fund the uphill climbing lanes on Highway 92. Voters overwhelmingly renewed the measure for an additional 25 years in 2004.