San José adopted a Vision Zero transportation safety initiative in May 2015. Vision Zero aims to end fatalities and reduce severe injuries caused by traffic collisions. San José identified Hillsdale Avenue as a Vision Zero Priority Safety Corridor because of the high number of fatal and severe injury crashes. Hillsdale Avenue Quick-Build Traffic Safety Improvements Project will make the street safer for all.

^{Project Location Map: Hillsdale Avenue from Ross Avenue to Almaden Expressway.}

Improvements for Pedestrians

For a safe and pleasant walking environment, this project will install:

• Quick-build corner curb extensions to shorten pedestrian crossing distance, slow turning vehicles, and visually narrow the intersection
• High-visibility crosswalks to make crosswalks and pedestrians more visible
• Pedestrian signal timing improvements

Improvements for Bicyclists

To improve safety for bicyclists, this project will install:

• Buffer bike-lanes and add protections where feasible
• Bike detection at signalized intersection
• Green pavement markings

^{Protected bike lanes in Downtown San José at San Fernando and Third Streets.}

Improvements for Motorists

To improve safety, this project will:

• Reconfigure travel lanes from 6 to 4 to reduce roadway width and optimize space for all users
• Add a quick-build median island to address unsafe left in/out turn movements while allowing access at appropriate locations with u-turn opportunities to provide adequate access
• Adjust traffic signal timing to optimize operations for all users
• Apply yellow reflective borders to traffic signal heads to enhance visibility
• Resurface the pavement

^{Traffic signal head at Snell Ave and Snell Way.}

Timeline

Construction was expected to begin late summer 2021. Unfortunately, due to early onset of cold and wet weather, construction started in spring 2022.

Community Engagement

• Read answers to frequently asked questions about the Hillsdale Avenue Safety Project 
• If you would like to stay up to date on the latest project information or provide us feedback/concerns, please contact Anna Le at anna.le@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-7985.

Updates

• July 19, 2022: Safety upgrades to Hillsdale Avenue are nearly complete

Resources

• Learn more about San José’s Vision Zero transportation safety initiative.
• Take a look at the conceptual plan for Hillsdale Avenue.
• View the Hillsdale Avenue Safety Project community meeting presentation from March 15, 2021

Funding

This project is funded through the following sources:

• TFCA (Transportation Funds for Clean Air) Grant 2020
• Vision Zero Quick-Build Funds
• San Jose Pavement Program