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The Port of Redwood City will soon receive a major boost in funding to ‘reduce congestion’ after the Metropolitan Transportation Commission approved up to $48 million in funds.
These funds will go towards the $300 million “101/84 Interchange Reimagined” project, which the city council initially approved in June 2022.
“Redwood City and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority plan to start construction in 2027 on a series of safety improvements that will include more than four miles of new bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure,” a press release by Supervisor David Canepa stated.
The release also stated that the project will improve shuttle access between the Redwood City Caltrain station and the new San Francisco Bay Ferry terminal, which will be located at the port.
“What it’s going to do for the port is improve freight operations, reduce vehicular conflicts, improve pedestrian and bicycle safety as well as rail safety,” said Kristine Zortman, executive director for the Port of Redwood City.
“It’s going to strengthen the ports on FEMA designation should there be a catastrophic event (and) we’re going to be able to deploy first responders and resources much more effectively and efficiently.”
Zortman added that the funding would bring it up to date with regulations and allow it to withstand an 8.9-magnitude earthquake.
“This infrastructure investment in the Port of Redwood City will not only be a super boost to Silicon Valley’s economic prowess, but as a certified Federal Staging Area, these dollars will help the port be better prepared to save lives and assist in critical recovery efforts,” Canepa said in the release.
“This is a shovel-ready project that will not only reduce congestion on Highway 101 but will also improve the operation of local streets, improve safety at train crossings and support the port’s continued growth.”