SR85 presentation
Silicon Valley Express
Lanes Program
Los Gatos Town Council
April 21, 2014
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus
AM -Congestion Levels in
Silicon Valley
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus
PM -Congestion Levels in
Silicon Valley
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus
What are Express Lanes?
Express Lanes are converted carpool
•
lanes that offer solo drivers the
opportunity to use carpool lanes for a fee
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus
Why are Express Lanes being
developed?
To provide congestion relief through
•
more effective use of existing roadways
(e.g., use of existing carpool lanes)
To provide commuters with a new
•
mobility option
To provide a new source of funding for
•
transportation improvements including
public transit
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus
Who can use Express Lanes?
CARPOOL USERS-Eligible vehicles with
•
two or more people per car (in addition to
transit and motorcycles) travel in Express
Lanes FREE of charge
SOLO DRIVERS can use Express Lanes
•
for a fee
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus
What is the mass transportation
plan on SR 85 north of SR 87?
No planned extension of the current light
•
railsystem
Express bus service will continue on SR
•
85 with potential to increase frequency
due to Express Lanes revenues
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus
Will use of federal funds require
allowing trucks on SR 85?
No, Federal Funds does not effect ban on
•
trucks
In 1988, Caltrans recommended banning
•
of trucks exceeding 9000 pounds and
California vehicle code was amended to
include this ban
Actions by the local agencies and
•
Caltrans would be needed to amend the
ban
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus
Noise Concerns
Residents close to Hwy 85 have raised
•
concerns about noise
Noise Study information provided by VTA
•
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus
Los Gatos Agreement
1990 Agreement between the Town and
Traffic Authority (predecessor to VTA)
14. The TRAFFIC AUTHORITY agrees that no new freeway lanes shall be
constructed in the Route 85 median or in the shoulders of Route 85 within
the geographical limits of TOWN without prior written approval by the
Town Council of the TOWN.
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus
Staff is available for questions
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus