Road improvements near Redwood City port to ease traffic congestion

The improvements to Highway 101 at Highway 84 come after the MTC approved nearly $28 million in transportation improvements last week. (Photo: John Green)

A regional transportation board has approved nearly $28 million to help ease traffic congestion at the interchange of Interstates 101 and 84 near the Port of Redwood City, a deepwater port in southern San Francisco Bay and a major foreign trade hub on the West Coast.

The money was allocated to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority and Redwood City from Regional Measure 3 toll funds. It was approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) last Wednesday. An additional $20.5 million from the same funding source is expected later this year, officials said.

Although the 1970s-era Highway 101/Highway 84 interchange marks the gateway to the Port of Redwood City, officials say it can no longer handle today's traffic, creating traffic safety concerns and challenges for freight mobility and rail movement.

David Canepa, MTC commissioner and San Mateo County supervisor, said the improvements will also help reduce congestion on surface streets near the port and improve safety at railroad crossings. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and also includes four miles of new bike/pedestrian paths and improved access to transit shuttles, connecting Caltrain and the future San Francisco Bay Ferry Terminal planned for Redwood City.