Progress is now visible on the Half Moon Bay Highway Improvement Project, which began in September 2006. The project, which is about 60 percent complete, extends along Highway 92 from Highway 1 just to about a half-mile east of the Main Street intersection and includes the re-configuration of two busy intersections to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety.

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

To date, one lane on eastbound Highway 92 has been added between Highway 1 and Main Street. Northbound Main Street also has also been widened to provide bike lanes and sidewalks. A new left-turn lane has been added on southbound Highway 1 at Highway 92.

According to project construction manager Bill Carlson, the completion of a range of project tasks has shifted traffic to allow crews to start on the widening of westbound Route 92. New sidewalks, curbs and gutters have been installed on the west and east sides of North Main Street and preliminary paving has been completed. Decorative street lighting has been installed and landscaping will be completed by summer 2008 which will improve the coastal city’s picturesque downtown.

Utility companies are now in the process of pulling and splicing new underground cables into the completed trench throughout the project limits. Carlson expects this scope of work to be completed by spring 2008. The new underground services will replace the current overhead electrical lines and poles.

Road-widening work continues with the construction of a major retaining wall opposite the community park parcel near Spanish Town and the construction of a smaller wall adjacent to the cemetery, and the extension of sidewalk on westbound Route 92 to the Hilltop Mobile Home Park. Work also has begun on the widening of Main Street between Route 92 and Stone Pine Road. Carlson pointed out, however, that all businesses remain open during construction.

Even though the widening project is still in various stages of completion, Half Moon Bay Mayor Naomi Patridge anticipates an official opening by fall 2008. “I am pleased with the progress of the Highway 92 project,” she said. “So far, there have been very few major traffic disruptions.”

According to Patridge, residents and visitors alike who drive through the Coastside’s most critical arteries will soon enjoy faster and safer commutes. “The widening project and additional left- and right-turn lanes at Main Street and Highway 92 will alleviate some of the congestion at Highway 1 and Highway 92,” said Partridge.

In addition to improved traffic flow, the project will provide better access for bicycles and pedestrians.

TA Chair Rosanne Foust shared Partridge’s enthusiasm. “This project is a great example of what the TA was formed to do,” said Foust. “We’re living up to our agreement with the voters to fund projects that will improve transportation in San Mateo County. Without Measure A funding, it would have been much more difficult to secure the state and federal dollars to make projects like this happen.”

11/30/2007 - msk
Media Contact: Mary Knuckles, 650-508-6356