Foster City to Begin Traffic Relief Pilot Program on February 11, 2019
For Immediate Release: January 18, 2019
Contact: Norm Dorais, Public Works Director, (650) 286-3270, trafficrelief@fostercity.org
Following over a year of discussions with the community and the City Council, a “Traffic Relief Pilot Program” to address cut-through traffic down the City’s main corridor is slated to begin on February 11, 2019. This pilot program will restrict left-turn and u-turn movements from eastbound East Hillsdale Boulevard at Edgewater Boulevard and at Shell Boulevard.
Restrictions will be in effect during the peak evening commute hours from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Friday, major holidays excluded. The program trial period will be conducted over a three-month trial period. The left turn traffic light arrows at these specific intersections will remain ‘red’ during the restricted time period.
Should any safety concerns arise, authority has been given to the City Manager to terminate the pilot program at any time. Significant efforts are being made to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible for drivers, residents, homeowners’ associations and businesses impacted or potentially impacted by the program. Proper signage and direct notification prior to and during the pilot period will be prioritized. The City has also coordinated with navigation apps to alert them to the impact to popular routes.
Foster City roadways are facing an influx of regional cut-through traffic as motorists seek out alternative routes to avoid the freeway gridlock on Highway 101 and State Route 92. The City Council discussed and unanimously approved the Traffic Relief Pilot Program at the December 17, 2018 City Council meeting and determined that it would be worthwhile to implement a program on a trial basis in an effort to improve the traffic congestion issues in the City.
The City sought and received extensive public input both in-person and on-line about the proposed pilot program in November and December 2018. In a survey conducted on traffic, a total of 547 unique responses were received, with 443 of these supporting the Traffic Relief Pilot Program either strongly or somewhat.
More information about the Traffic Relief Pilot Program is available at www.fostercity.org/trafficreliefpilotprogram. Questions or concerns about the Traffic Relief Pilot Program should be directed to Public Works Director Norm Dorais at (650) 286-3270 or trafficrelief@fostercity.org.
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