A wider U.S. 101 between Morgan Hill and San Jose is only a few
days away.
Gilroy Bureau
SAN JOSE – A wider U.S. 101 between Morgan Hill and San Jose is only a few days away.
Commuters headed southbound from San Jose should see the first section of the newly widened highway open near the Metcalf Road overcrossing by Friday, March 14, according to the Valley Transportation Authority.
The northbound lanes are expected to open within two months.
The U.S. 101 widening project adds an additional mixed-use lane and a carpool lane in each direction, and is expected to bring relief to drivers who have struggled with traffic congestion in the corridor for years.
When the work to widen the U.S. 101 between Bernal Road in San Jose and Cochrane Road in Morgan Hill is completed in both directions, VTA officials estimate it will save two-way peak-hour commuters an estimated average of 21 minutes per day in their cars.
Morning northbound average speeds should increase from 28 mph to 65 mph, reducing travel time by 12 minutes. During the afternoon southbound commute, average speeds will increase from 35 mph to 65 mph, thereby reducing travel time by nine minutes.
The main portion of the widening project is estimated to cost $52.2 million and is funded by the Measure B half-cent sales tax approved by Santa Clara County voters in 1996.
A new interchange project where U.S. 101 meets state Highway 85 is expected to be complete in 2004 and will extend carpool lanes all the way to Redwood City.
