As part of the 101 Corridor Connect program, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) is developing the US 101 San Mateo County Crossing Improvement Plan (Active 101). US 101 is the busiest corridor in San Mateo County. However, the freeway itself can be a barrier for people walking, rolling, biking, and taking transit. The Active 101 Plan aims to prioritize these needs and identify which projects will most effectively create safe crossings and corridors near US 101.
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.
Following development of the Active 101 Priority Network, 6 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)
Get Involved
SMCTA is now seeking input on the Draft Active 101 Plan. This is a key opportunity for community members and stakeholders to weigh in on the Plan approach and implementation plan, and how the Plan can help to improve active transportation along and across US 101.
Click the image above to review the Draft Active 101 Plan and share your feedback. Feedback will be accepted through February 9, 2026.
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
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.