What is the GBI Action Plan?
The GBI Action Plan is a planning document that evaluates corridor-wide needs, establishes a cohesive vision, and builds momentum toward implementation. It serves as a precursor to beginning a countywide Caltrans project development process.
The Action Plan is organized around a corridor-wide vision statement and three key goals that will lay the foundation for a grand boulevard connecting communities in San Mateo County.
What are the existing corridor-wide needs?
SamTrans and cities in San Mateo County have identified safety, mobility, and process as priority challenges on El Camino Real that can be addressed through the Action Plan.
El Camino Real has one of the highest rates of fatalities and serious injuries in the region over a 20-year period (2002-2022). Key factors influencing collisions are speed, infrastructure, and the built environment. The 35+ MPH speed limit on El Camino Real elevates the risk of death or serious injury.
Walking:
El Camino Real has gaps in pedestrian infrastructure, such as unmarked or unsignalized pedestrian crossings, long crosswalk distances, absence of pedestrian-scaled lighting, and uncontrolled or permissive left turns. This create uncomfortable conditions for pedestrians and discourage people from walking on El Camino Real.
Biking:
Existing bike facilities on El Camino Real are very limited, with less than ¼ mile of separated bikeways that are comfortable for users of all ages and abilities.
Transit:
Buses on El Camino Real encounter various sources of delay. Bus stop designs, such as pull-out stops and near side bus stops, are also not optimal for bus travel times and can contribute 15 to 20 minutes of delay.
Meaningful progress on safety and mobility will require addressing underlying governance and funding challenges.
Process challenges include: lack of coordination across jurisdictions, lack of a shared vision, lack of regional thinking, lack of agreement on priorities, insufficient funding, and uncoordinated funding.
Problem Statements and Goals
The following problem statements have been developed to capture the existing challenges on El Camino Real. Corresponding goals have been developed to provide a roadmap for addressing these challenges.
The draft corridor-wide vision statement builds on these problem statements and goals.
Draft Vision Statement
What other goals do you have for El Camino Real?
We've identified safety, mobility, and process as key needs on El Camino Real and formed three goals to address these challenges: safety-first mindset, complete street approach, and a framework for change. What other needs and/or goals do you have for El Camino Real? (max 140 characters).
Anything else you would like to share about El Camino Real?
What "grand" ideas do you have for El Camino Real? What would success on this project look like for you? We want to create a street that works for everyone. (max 140 characters).
What comes after the Action Plan?
Once the Action Plan is complete, SamTrans will lead the first phase of a coordinated Caltrans project development process, called a Project Initiation Document (PID), for all of El Camino Real in San Mateo County. The PID will define the purpose and need for transportation improvements to the corridor as well as establish potential design alternatives.
