A years-long project improving State Route 82 (El Camino Real) between Palo Alto and Mountain View has finally come to an end.
The El Camino Real Pavement Rehabilitation and ADA Improvements project took root in spring 2020, when environmental documents were completed. The design was completed in winter 2022 and pothole repair began in fall 2023 – construction commenced in spring 2024 and came to a close this month. The project, which included resurfacing, bike lane additions and other improvements, ranged less than a mile south of State Route 237 in Mountain View to Sand Hill Road in Palo Alto.
“This project is about more than repaving a road,” Caltrans District 4 Director Dave Ambuehl was quoted in a Monday Caltrans press release. “This effort creates a safer, more accessible, and connected corridor for everyone living and visiting Santa Clara County, whether traveling by car, feet, bicycle or mobility devices.”
In addition to the pavement resurfacing and installation of 13.5 miles of bike lanes, other changes to El Camino Real included upgrading ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian features, high-visibility crosswalks and pedestrian signals, and hybrid beacon systems for better pedestrian safety at select street crossings, according to the release.
Bike lanes are also protected by flex posts, which create a barrier between vehicles and bicyclists.
The project, which cost $55 million, was funded by the State Highway Operation Program, Senate Bill 1 ($5.56 million), the city of Mountain View ($3.74 million) and the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ($3.2 million), and other funds.
“The El Camino Real project is a real win for our entire community,” Mayor Ellen Kamei was quoted in the Caltrans press release. “Thank you to Caltrans for partnering with us and the community to deliver these critical safety upgrades to the state highway. With the City of Mountain View’s $3.74 million contribution to the Caltrans project, we are making this essential corridor safer and more accessible for everyone.”
