Project Overview
The Across Barrier Connections (ABC) Plan is a county-wide initiative dedicated to making walking and biking safer and more accessible across local freeway interchanges. VTA is identifying and prioritizing key locations where new or improved freeway interchanges can better connect neighborhoods.
The plan focuses on improving connections across all limited-access freeways within Santa Clara County:
Interstates: I-280, I-680, I-880
U.S. & State Routes: US-101, SR-17, SR-85, SR-87, SR-237
Why This Plan Matters
Freeways provide essential regional travel but can act as "concrete barriers" for those traveling by foot or bike. This is particularly true for underserved communities, many of which are located within 1,000 feet of a freeway. Compared to other parts of the county, these residents face:
Safety Risks: Higher rates of severe pedestrian and bicycle crashes.
Environmental Impact: Increased exposure to noise and air pollution.
Isolation: Significant physical barriers that make reaching jobs, schools, and parks difficult without a car.
Driven by the Community
We aren't planning in a vacuum. The ABC Plan relies on your expertise. VTA is inviting residents to help us identify current barriers and develop recommendations for a more connected future through outreach opportunities.
Community Outreach Opportunities
Attend our Online Workshop: April 22, 6 p.m via Zoom. Learn about our findings and share your concerns live. Interpretation for the workshop is available upon request (due by April 17). RSVP on Eventbrite.
Heads Up: Double the devices! 📱💻
We’ll be using Mentimeter for some live polls and interactive activities today. For the best experience, we recommend joining the meeting on your computer and having your phone handy to submit your answers in real-time!
Take the Survey: Tell us where new or improved connections are needed most by April 26, 2026. Complete the survey.
Project Overview
The Across Barrier Connections (ABC) Plan is a county-wide initiative dedicated to making walking and biking safer and more accessible across local freeway interchanges. VTA is identifying and prioritizing key locations where new or improved freeway interchanges can better connect neighborhoods.
The plan focuses on improving connections across all limited-access freeways within Santa Clara County:
Interstates: I-280, I-680, I-880
U.S. & State Routes: US-101, SR-17, SR-85, SR-87, SR-237
Why This Plan Matters
Freeways provide essential regional travel but can act as "concrete barriers" for those traveling by foot or bike. This is particularly true for underserved communities, many of which are located within 1,000 feet of a freeway. Compared to other parts of the county, these residents face:
Safety Risks: Higher rates of severe pedestrian and bicycle crashes.
Environmental Impact: Increased exposure to noise and air pollution.
Isolation: Significant physical barriers that make reaching jobs, schools, and parks difficult without a car.
Driven by the Community
We aren't planning in a vacuum. The ABC Plan relies on your expertise. VTA is inviting residents to help us identify current barriers and develop recommendations for a more connected future through outreach opportunities.
Community Outreach Opportunities
Attend our Online Workshop: April 22, 6 p.m via Zoom. Learn about our findings and share your concerns live. Interpretation for the workshop is available upon request (due by April 17). RSVP on Eventbrite.
Heads Up: Double the devices! 📱💻
We’ll be using Mentimeter for some live polls and interactive activities today. For the best experience, we recommend joining the meeting on your computer and having your phone handy to submit your answers in real-time!
Take the Survey: Tell us where new or improved connections are needed most by April 26, 2026. Complete the survey.