The California Transportation Commission approved state funding for three crucial transportation improvement projects in Santa Clara County. The funding comes from Senate Bill 1: Road Repair and Accountability Act ushered through the state legislature with the leadership of Santa Clara County-based Senator Jim Beall.
 
“SB1 funding remains instrumental to green-lighting critical new projects that will help address the region’s worsening traffic congestion,” said San Jose Mayor and VTA Board Chair Sam Liccardo. “I’d like to thank our state leaders and the California Transportation Commission for investing in transportation improvements that will benefit residents throughout Silicon Valley.”

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group, representing the high tech business community, is a strong supporter of local transportation improvements.

“The state funding for these critical projects is an important tool to address our region’s traffic crisis,” said Carl Guardino, CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and a member of the California Transportation Commission. “Investing in the mobility of Silicon Valley means investing in the success of our nation’s economy.”
 
The funded projects are:

• Improvements to the so-called “Mathilda Monster” interchange along Mathilda Avenue from US 101 to Innovation Way just north of State Route 237. The $42 million construction project received a $17 million grant award, and will also provide for new and improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities for safer and easier access. This project, in partnership with the City of Sunnyvale, is one of the City's highest roadway improvement priorities to address existing congestion on Mathilda Avenue.
• To address congestion along Highway 101 to the SR 25 off-ramp in South Santa Clara County, VTA was awarded $4.2 million to begin design of improvements to the south county interchange that provides the most congestion relief.
•  Express lanes in Mountain View and Palo Alto will see $47.5 million in funding. This project will convert the existing HOV lanes on US 101 from SR 237 to the San Mateo County line.  It will also convert the 101/85 carpool-to-carpool direct connectors to express lane connectors up to about SR 237 on SR 85. This express lane portion is part of an overall larger program that continues the managed lanes into San Mateo County on U.S. 101.  

“This infusion of funds allows for the Valley Transportation Authority to continue doing the important work of addressing the growing congestion in Santa Clara County, with mobility solutions like well-designed highway interchanges and managed lanes projects,” said Jeannie Bruins, Metropolitan Transportation Commissioner and ex-officio VTA Board member.
 
The funding is included in three programs within the Road Repair and Accountability Act: the Local Partnership Program, the Solutions for Congested Corridors Program, the State Transportation Improvement Program, and the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program.