The Caltrans construction team recently began roadwork on El Camino Real, though motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians may not see it actively occurring, according to Scott McCrank, Caltrans construction representative.
McCrank participated in a panel on El Camino road maintenance held at the Mountain View Community Center Nov. 14, hosted by State Sen. Josh Becker and Assemblymember Marc Berman.
“In my world, we’re in construction already – even though you may not actually be seeing it done in the field – but it’s been turned over to construction,” McCrank said of the construction timeline. “Under my team, the schedule actually started in fall, fall 2023, and in theory could extend into fall 2025, which is tentative; obviously construction is based off weather (and) other things that could happen.”
The pavement rehabilitation project aims to improve the pothole-ridden stretch of El Camino Real that begins a half-mile south of State Route 237 in Mountain View and ends at the intersection of Sand Hill Road in Palo Alto, long the target of aggravation for motorists who regularly travel the route.
The work will include road maintenance and upgrades to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, such as cold plane, overlay, rubberized asphalt concrete repavings and repairs to current concrete failures – like potholes. New bike lanes are set to be installed, in addition to upgraded delineations to pavement, bicycle and pedestrian crossings.
Approximately 100 curb ramps and 5,000 feet of sidewalks will be upgraded to conform with ADA mandates. Accessible pedestrian signals and higher-visibility crosswalk markings will be installed.
For increased pedestrian safety, three pedestrian hybrid beacon systems – present at mid-block, uncontrolled intersections and high-speed crossings – will be positioned at Crestview Drive and Pettis and Bonita avenues.
Actual construction, including electrical and sidewalk work, is set to begin in January, a choice made to avoid driving disruptions during the holiday season, McCrank said. There will be no complete road closures during construction, he added – one lane will always remain open.
Most of the work is slated to begin in and around Mountain View as Palo Alto continues a sewer project. Permanent pavement, set to be laid around late spring – most likely June – can’t be installed until the other project is finished.
Work on the project will take full days and nights; lane closures are expected from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. northbound and 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. southbound.
Parking in project areas will be restricted temporarily, McCrank said. The project will cost $44.6 million, $30.6 million for construction.
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