The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), in cooperation with the City of Cupertino and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), proposes to modify the Wolfe Road interchange on Interstate 280 (I-280) in the City of Cupertino.
Objectives
The purpose of this project is to improve traffic operations and facilities for several modes of transportation, including bicycle, pedestrian, and high-occupancy vehicle uses, at the I-280 and Wolfe Road interchange in the City of Cupertino.
Final Design Map
Follow the link to zoom in on the map:
Project Features
The proposed improvements include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Construct a new structure carrying Wolfe Road over I-280
- Construct new on-ramps and off-ramps
- Modify existing local street intersections and upgrade bicycle and pedestrian facilities along Wolfe Road.
- Construct retaining walls and sound walls as needed
Environmental
The project is Categorically Exempt under Class 1 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines. A Categorical Exemption is the appropriate level of environmental review for the project.
Community Outreach
Current public health official requirements limit VTA’s in-person interaction with the community during the public engagement process.
VTA and the City of Cupertino hosted a virtual Open House on December 9, 2021, providing project updates and presenting the preferred design for the I-280 and Wolfe Road Interchange Project, funded by the 2016 Measure B sales tax. Watch a recording of the presentation on the VTA YouTube Channel.
For more information about this project, email VTA Community Outreach at community.outreach@vta.org, or call (408) 321-7575.
Online Community Meeting (4/1/2026)
On April 1, 2026, VTA hosted an online public meeting to share information on the upcoming construction improvements at the I-280/Wolfe Road interchange in Cupertino. If you were not able to attend—or would like to revisit the information—you can watch the full presentation and Q&A at your convenience:
Watch the recording: YouTube Video
In the video, we cover what to expect during construction, key project benefits, how to stay informed during the construction period, and answer questions from community members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Project Design & Features
Where will retaining walls be located?
Retaining walls will primarily be constructed along the diagonal on-ramps and in areas where the roadway elevation is raised (approximately 6 feet). These are generally limited to the interchange area and support the new bridge and ramp improvements.
How wide will the new bridge be?
The new bridge will be approximately 160 feet wide, more than double the width of the existing structure.
Will the project include resurfacing or repairs to I-280?
No. Improvements to the I-280 mainline surface are not included in this project. That work is handled separately by Caltrans.
Construction Timeline & Process
What is the construction sequence?
Construction will occur in stages:
- Wolfe Road median concrete barrier removal and ramp widening for temporary traffic shifts
- Construction of half of the new bridge and retaining walls
- Traffic shift onto the new structure
- Demolition of the existing bridge
- Construction of the second half of the new bridge
- Final connections and landscaping
When will tree removal and major construction begin?
Tree removal is expected to be one of the first construction activities, particularly where needed for temporary traffic configurations.
When will a detailed construction schedule be available?
A detailed contractor schedule is not yet available. Once construction begins:
- Weekly updates will be provided
Traffic & Access
Will roads or ramps be closed during construction?
- No long-term full closure of Wolfe Road is planned
- Temporary nighttime closures will occur
- Some ramps may be temporarily closed, with alternate routes provided
How many lanes will remain open during construction?
The project will aim to maintain existing lane capacity as they exist today.
Noise, Dust & Environmental Impacts
Will noise levels increase due to the project?
A noise study determined that noise levels will not increase to a significant level. Mitigation measures, including sound walls, are included in the project.
What dust and construction mitigation measures will be used?
Standard construction mitigation measures include:
- Water trucks for dust control
- Vibration monitoring near sensitive properties
- Temporary barriers for safety
Sound Walls
Will the sound wall be replaced or modified?
Yes. Existing sound walls will be demolished and replaced with extensions in certain areas.
How tall will the new sound wall be?
The new sound wall is expected to be approximately 14 feet tall above the roadway surface.
How long will sound wall construction take?
Sound wall construction is expected to take approximately 6 to 9 months, depending on location and sequencing.
Trees & Landscaping
Will trees be removed and replaced?
Yes. Trees removed during construction will be replaced as required.
When will new trees be planted?
Tree planting is expected to begin around 2029, near the end of construction.
Will replacement trees be the same as existing trees?
Not necessarily. Replacement trees will consist of approved, low-water-use species, which may differ from existing trees.
How large will replacement trees be?
Replacement trees will typically be planted as 24-inch box trees, which are young, non-mature trees.
Property Impacts
What happens if construction damages my property?
- Pre-construction inspections will be conducted
- If damage occurs, residents may file a claim through VTA Community Outreach
- The project team will assist residents through the claims process
Transit & Coordination
Will VTA bus service be affected?
Bus routes will continue operating. Some minor delays may occur, but no major service disruptions are expected.
Is this project coordinated with nearby developments?
Yes. The project team has coordinated with nearby developments; however, construction schedules are managed independently.
Project Budget
What is the total project cost, and is it funded?
- Total estimated cost: approximately $124 million
- The project is fully funded through:
- Measure B (majority funding source)
- State funding (~$10 million)
- City of Cupertino (~$6.8 million)
Documentation & Information Access
Where can I find detailed plans or reports?
- Environmental studies and detailed engineering plans can be requested
- Residents are encouraged to contact Community Outreach for location-specific information
Still Have Questions?
For additional information or project updates, please contact the VTA Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575 or Email community.outreach@vta.org, or visit the project webpage at https://www.vta.org/280wolfe.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), in cooperation with the City of Cupertino and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), proposes to modify the Wolfe Road interchange on Interstate 280 (I-280) in the City of Cupertino.
Objectives
The purpose of this project is to improve traffic operations and facilities for several modes of transportation, including bicycle, pedestrian, and high-occupancy vehicle uses, at the I-280 and Wolfe Road interchange in the City of Cupertino.
Final Design Map
Follow the link to zoom in on the map:
Project Features
The proposed improvements include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Construct a new structure carrying Wolfe Road over I-280
- Construct new on-ramps and off-ramps
- Modify existing local street intersections and upgrade bicycle and pedestrian facilities along Wolfe Road.
- Construct retaining walls and sound walls as needed
Environmental
The project is Categorically Exempt under Class 1 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines. A Categorical Exemption is the appropriate level of environmental review for the project.
Community Outreach
Current public health official requirements limit VTA’s in-person interaction with the community during the public engagement process.
VTA and the City of Cupertino hosted a virtual Open House on December 9, 2021, providing project updates and presenting the preferred design for the I-280 and Wolfe Road Interchange Project, funded by the 2016 Measure B sales tax. Watch a recording of the presentation on the VTA YouTube Channel.
For more information about this project, email VTA Community Outreach at community.outreach@vta.org, or call (408) 321-7575.
Online Community Meeting (4/1/2026)
On April 1, 2026, VTA hosted an online public meeting to share information on the upcoming construction improvements at the I-280/Wolfe Road interchange in Cupertino. If you were not able to attend—or would like to revisit the information—you can watch the full presentation and Q&A at your convenience:
Watch the recording: YouTube Video
In the video, we cover what to expect during construction, key project benefits, how to stay informed during the construction period, and answer questions from community members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Project Design & Features
Where will retaining walls be located?
Retaining walls will primarily be constructed along the diagonal on-ramps and in areas where the roadway elevation is raised (approximately 6 feet). These are generally limited to the interchange area and support the new bridge and ramp improvements.
How wide will the new bridge be?
The new bridge will be approximately 160 feet wide, more than double the width of the existing structure.
Will the project include resurfacing or repairs to I-280?
No. Improvements to the I-280 mainline surface are not included in this project. That work is handled separately by Caltrans.
Construction Timeline & Process
What is the construction sequence?
Construction will occur in stages:
- Wolfe Road median concrete barrier removal and ramp widening for temporary traffic shifts
- Construction of half of the new bridge and retaining walls
- Traffic shift onto the new structure
- Demolition of the existing bridge
- Construction of the second half of the new bridge
- Final connections and landscaping
When will tree removal and major construction begin?
Tree removal is expected to be one of the first construction activities, particularly where needed for temporary traffic configurations.
When will a detailed construction schedule be available?
A detailed contractor schedule is not yet available. Once construction begins:
- Weekly updates will be provided
Traffic & Access
Will roads or ramps be closed during construction?
- No long-term full closure of Wolfe Road is planned
- Temporary nighttime closures will occur
- Some ramps may be temporarily closed, with alternate routes provided
How many lanes will remain open during construction?
The project will aim to maintain existing lane capacity as they exist today.
Noise, Dust & Environmental Impacts
Will noise levels increase due to the project?
A noise study determined that noise levels will not increase to a significant level. Mitigation measures, including sound walls, are included in the project.
What dust and construction mitigation measures will be used?
Standard construction mitigation measures include:
- Water trucks for dust control
- Vibration monitoring near sensitive properties
- Temporary barriers for safety
Sound Walls
Will the sound wall be replaced or modified?
Yes. Existing sound walls will be demolished and replaced with extensions in certain areas.
How tall will the new sound wall be?
The new sound wall is expected to be approximately 14 feet tall above the roadway surface.
How long will sound wall construction take?
Sound wall construction is expected to take approximately 6 to 9 months, depending on location and sequencing.
Trees & Landscaping
Will trees be removed and replaced?
Yes. Trees removed during construction will be replaced as required.
When will new trees be planted?
Tree planting is expected to begin around 2029, near the end of construction.
Will replacement trees be the same as existing trees?
Not necessarily. Replacement trees will consist of approved, low-water-use species, which may differ from existing trees.
How large will replacement trees be?
Replacement trees will typically be planted as 24-inch box trees, which are young, non-mature trees.
Property Impacts
What happens if construction damages my property?
- Pre-construction inspections will be conducted
- If damage occurs, residents may file a claim through VTA Community Outreach
- The project team will assist residents through the claims process
Transit & Coordination
Will VTA bus service be affected?
Bus routes will continue operating. Some minor delays may occur, but no major service disruptions are expected.
Is this project coordinated with nearby developments?
Yes. The project team has coordinated with nearby developments; however, construction schedules are managed independently.
Project Budget
What is the total project cost, and is it funded?
- Total estimated cost: approximately $124 million
- The project is fully funded through:
- Measure B (majority funding source)
- State funding (~$10 million)
- City of Cupertino (~$6.8 million)
Documentation & Information Access
Where can I find detailed plans or reports?
- Environmental studies and detailed engineering plans can be requested
- Residents are encouraged to contact Community Outreach for location-specific information
Still Have Questions?
For additional information or project updates, please contact the VTA Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575 or Email community.outreach@vta.org, or visit the project webpage at https://www.vta.org/280wolfe.
Timeline
Title
Alternatives Analysis
Phase Date Range
-
The public provided feedback on Alternative Designs.
- View Open House flyer
- View Presentation
Title
Environmental Clearance
Phase Date Range
-
Title
Design and Engineering
Phase Date Range
-
The public is invited to participate in a virtual Open House Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. VTA, in partnership with the City of Cupertino, and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), will provide project updates and present the preferred design for the I-280 and Wolfe Road Interchange Project, funded by 2016 Measure B sales tax. Read more.
Watch a recording of the presentation on the VTA YouTube Channel. View the presentation slides here.
Title
Construction
Phase Date Range
-
Online Community Meeting
VTA hosted an online public meeting to share information on the upcoming construction improvements at the I-280/Wolfe Road interchange in Cupertino. If you were not able to attend—or would like to revisit the information—you can watch the full presentation and Q&A at your convenience:
Watch the recording: YouTube Video
In the video, we cover what to expect during construction, key project benefits, how to stay informed during the construction period, and answer questions from community members.
Funding
Map
