Route 87 (South) HOV Lanes

Field Activity Report

Overview

This project will construct a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction in the existing median of Route 87 between Branham Lane and I-280, a distance of approximately 4.25 miles. The project includes the installation of ramp meters at selected locations.

The project will also repair pavement, median barrier, sound wall and drainage systems damaged by settlement in this segment of freeway. In addition, a collector-distribution system and an auxiliary lane will be constructed in the southbound direction between I-280 and Almaden Expressway.

Caltrans will manage construction of this project.

Project Objective

To relieve traffic congestion by adding HOV lanes and a collector-distributor lane.

Project Features

High occupancy vehicles, HOVs, are cars with at least two occupants, shuttles and buses.

The collector-distribution system being built relieves traffic congestion for vehicles entering southbound Route 87 from both northbound and southbound I-280.

A collector-distribution system utilizes auxiliary lanes running alongside the mainline roadway to provide extra time and distance for vehicles from multiple on- and off-ramps to merge together before entering onto the main roadway.

Vehicles from I-280 that are exiting at either Alma Avenue or Almaden Expressway will remain on the collector-distribution roadway and will not merge onto Route 87 roadway. Vehicles from I-280 traveling to points further south on Route 87 will now enter onto the freeway past Alma Avenue.

Maintenance of Traffic Flow

For the safety of the public and construction workers, traffic control measures (such as temporary lane closures and detours) will be used when needed. Contractors will make every effort to maintain access and minimize disruptions.

Operations

Upon completion, Caltrans will operate and maintain the newly widened Route 87.

Use of HOV lanes is restricted during commute hours (commonly weekdays between 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) to vehicles carrying two or more occupants.

Capital Cost/Project Funding

$75.1 million: $41.2 million from Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles (GARVEE) bonds, $18.5 million from State Highway Operations and Safety Program (SHOPP) funds, and $15.1 million from 1996 Measure B local sales tax and other local funds.

Project Schedule

Construction began: Spring 2005
Project complete: Late 2006

How to Reach Us

For more information on the highway projects or existing bus and rail transit service, call VTA Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575, TDD only (408) 321-2330.