Hillsdale Avenue is one of the 17 Vision Zero Priority Safety Corridors, due to its high frequency of traffic crashes. High vehicular speed has been the primary concern along this roadway. Currently, Hillsdale Avenue is "oversized" for the amount of traffic it carries, meaning it has more lanes than are necessary now or for future growth. This is likely encouraging higher speed. By reducing the excess lanes, we "right size" the street, which makes speeding less enticing and, as an additional benefit, it provides the space needed to add needed bike lanes with enhancements, where feasible.

The proposed configuration with four travel lanes supports the existing and future traffic volumes along Hillsdale Avenue. Our traffic operational analysis shows that the proposed lane reconfiguration will not have significant impacts on traffic congestion. Signal timing evaluation will be conducted and adjusted accordingly to further optimize traffic flow to encourage drivers to stay on Hillsdale Avenue. We will monitor the traffic pattern in the area after project implementation.

Physical center dividers are appropriate and fundamental for major roadways with high speeds such as Hillsdale Avenue. The proposed quick-build median island provides safety benefits by reducing the number of conflict points along the roadway, hence, reduce the risk of collisions involving left-turn movement. Median breaks are placed at appropriate locations with U-turn opportunities to allow access and to maximize efficient movement and through traffic on Hillsdale Avenue. Signal timing evaluation and modification will be part of this project to help optimize traffic flow along the corridor. In addition, the median island may help reduce vehicular speeds.

Quick-build materials are temporary, low-cost materials such as paint, plastic, and signage. They can be built much faster and cheaper than permanent improvements. These temporary materials are installed with the intention of being upgraded to permanent materials, such as concrete, in the future. Quick-build improvements provide many safety benefits. They act as physical devices that separate vehicles from bicycles, guide vehicles away from the conflict area, and visually narrow the roadway. In addition, quick-build materials are easy to move and modify. This will allow us to evaluate their placement and effectiveness and adjust accordingly for future permanent installation. We will continue to pursue grant funding opportunities to convert these quick-build elements to permanent improvements.

Currently, there are no bike lanes on Hillsdale Avenue. The San José Better Bike Plan 2025 recommends protected bike lanes along this roadway. Bike lanes will be installed for the entire project's limits to reduce the stress level and enhance safety and comfort for bicyclists. While this project does not extend bike lanes west of Ross Avenue, bicyclists are able to connect to the existing bike route along Ross Avenue. Extending the bike lanes west of Ross Avenue will be considered for future projects.

In addition to bike lane pavement striping and signage, the bike lanes will be supplemented with physical devices, where feasible, to provide extra protection for bicyclists. In certain areas, there will be parking-protected bikes lanes where parked vehicles will provide a greater buffer and protection for bicyclists.

No, the bike lanes will create a buffer between the travel lane and driveway, making it easier to pull out while providing better visibility.

This project aims to reduce speeding by removing excess travel lanes, narrowing lane widths, installing a median island, and adding quick-build bulb-outs at the corners. Studies have shown that by narrowing the effective travel width, and physically narrowing the roadway, motorists will feel less comfortable driving at higher speeds. Quick-build bulb-outs at the corners help slow down drivers when turning into the minor streets.

Traffic enforcement can be requested through the San Jose Police Department. This project contributes to the overall goal of slowing vehicular speeds and creating a safe environment for all roadway users.

On-street parking will be maintained. In some areas, a few parking spaces may need to be shifted to provide for sight distance, vehicle turning clearance, bus pull-out clearance, and quick-build bulb-outs.

New traffic signals are very costly to design and construct. This project will include minor traffic signal upgrades, however, there is not enough funding to consider a new traffic signal.

Yes, Hillsdale Avenue is due for pavement maintenance this year. The pavement surface will be treated and this offers an excellent opportunity to reconfigure the roadway to make it safer for all roadway users.

Construction is expected to begin in summer 2021 and completed in late 2021.