A Local Solution to Foster City’s Traffic Woes
January 16, 2019
Over the past several years, the Bay Area has experienced a revolution in transportation. We are all familiar with the considerable amount of traffic that has built up along our roadways, stressing our infrastructure and calling the need for expanded mobility options. It has required a vested interest from public agencies, private sector employers, local, state, and federal representatives alike, to find transit solutions to this mounting problem.
Foster City is situated in a unique location between two major transportation corridors: Highway 101 and State Route 92. Being so, we are challenged to think creatively and work collaboratively with our surrounding communities to address the ever-growing traffic issue.
While there isn’t one sole solution to reducing traffic congestion, it is imperative that we continue to explore any opportunities for traffic improvements at both the regional level and the local level. The question of what we can do to improve the City’s local conditions has come to the forefront of this conversation in recent years. It has prompted the City to consider various ideas/potential solutions – one of which being the “Traffic Relief Pilot Program” to be implemented in the upcoming weeks (in mid to late February 2019).
To provide some background, during a community meeting hosted by the City in October 2017, concerns were voiced regarding the amount of cut-through traffic in Foster City during evening commute hours. After much discussion, a suggestion was brought forward to restrict left-turns on East Hillsdale Boulevard to help discourage cut-through traffic in Foster City.
Over the next year, City staff worked diligently to study the feasibility of this suggestion. It was discussed amongst the City Council Transportation Subcommittee (liaisons being myself and former Vice Mayor Gary Pollard), brought to the Traffic Review Committee for evaluation, and then brought back before the public in October 2018 for further feedback. The City shared its observations and the proposal for a ‘Traffic Relief Pilot Program.” This pilot program would restrict left-turn (and u-turn) movements while traveling eastbound on East Hillsdale Boulevard at two intersections of interest – East Hillsdale Boulevard/Edgewater Boulevard and East Hillsdale Boulevard/Shell Boulevard. The restrictions would be in effect during the peak evening commute hours from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM, Monday to Friday, and conducted over a three-month trial period.
Following this meeting, the City continued the public input period by opening an online survey about the proposed pilot program. A total of 547 unique responses were received, with 443 of these supporting the Traffic Relief Pilot Program in moving forward (either strongly or somewhat).
It was at this point in time that the Traffic Relief Pilot Program was placed for City Council consideration at the December 17, 2018 meeting. Consistent with the concerns City staff had expressed, the City Council also raised its reservations on the impacts this pilot program would have on its residents. Ultimately though, it was determined that it would still be worthwhile to try, than not to try. The City Council approved 5-0-0 for the pilot program to move forward in implementation as described.
As mentioned, the City is anticipating a start date of mid to late February. What I can ensure is that the City Council and City staff will remain cognizant as the program is underway. Should any safety concerns arise, authority has been given to the City Manager to terminate at any time. Efforts are being made to make this transition as smooth as possible – from engaging with the impacted homeowner associations/properties, to ensuring proper signage and notification prior to and during the pilot period, to coordination with the navigation apps.
It is also important though to remain realistic as there is no doubt that the Traffic Relief Pilot Program will present its own set of challenges. It will be difficult in the beginning stages, perhaps even worsening the traffic along East Hillsdale Boulevard initially before it gets better. However, I encourage all to keep an open-mind and remain patient as we test this approach. Our intention is to make it less advantageous for those cutting though our City; but we will find solutions on how we can further refine this program so that it will not be disenfranchising a portion of our population.
I am optimistic in this strategy to address traffic congestion (on the local level). Keep the conversation going by joining me during my office hours the last Friday of each month, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at City Hall. You may call (650) 286-3503 to schedule an appointment. Feel free to also share your comments and thoughts with me via email at shindi@fostercity.org.
Let’s work together to improve the ability for all to get in, out, and around Foster City!
