Milpas Street at U.S. Highway 101 Operational Improvements Project

This Project is critical to the success and safe operation of the U.S. Highway 101 Widening Project (HOV Project) and will address expected traffic impacts from the HOV Project. This Project will provide traffic operational improvements along Milpas Street between the southbound U.S. Highway 101 on- and off-ramps. 

• Prevent queuing from the southbound off-ramp onto the Highway 101 mainline by eliminating the southbound Milpas Street to eastbound Cacique Street left-turn movement.  The amount of traffic making the southbound off-ramp to eastbound Cacique Street movement is more than the street network is capable of accommodating and is causing dangerous queuing onto the Highway 101 mainline.  Drivers can access eastbound Cacique Street from Highway 101 southbound by using the hook ramp and turning right onto Cacique Street.
• Reduced delay for all street users at the Milpas Street and Hutash Street intersection.  A short dedicated southbound left turn lane exclusively for Hutash Street will be added.  This will improve the traffic signal sequence, allowing southbound on-ramp and off-ramp traffic to move concurrently.  This will also provide for better traffic signal synchronization along the entire lower Milpas corridor. 
• Installation of an elevated bike lane along Milpas Street between Cacique and Hutash Streets. 

Upcoming Meetings:

• None at this time.

Previous Meetings:

• Online on February 21, 2024, via zoom and in person at Franklin Elementary School on February 28, 2024. Click here to view the webinar recording. 

TIMELINE: Mid-September to early 2026

• DURING CONSTRUCTION, EXPECT:
  • Lane closures: northbound Milpas between Hutash and Cacique.
  • Detours for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Paving work at night will occur in early December.
• BENEFITS:
  • Reduced wait times at traffic signals for less traffic congestion.
  • New raised northbound bike lane​ to separate cyclists from vehicles.
  • New trees along Milpas.
• AFTER CONSTRUCTION, EXPECT:
  • No southbound left turns from Milpas to Cacique. To access the Eastside from southbound U.S. Highway 101, use the hook ramp (second Milpas Exit 96A).
  • No left turn from the hook ramp (second Milpas Exit 96A). To travel southbound on Milpas towards the Waterfront, use the first Milpas Exit, 96B.
  • Raised bike lane.
  • New dedicated southbound left turn lane from Milpas to Hutash.
  • Traffic signal phasing changes for reduced wait times.

The Project is located along Milpas Street between the U.S. Highway 101 southbound on- and off-ramps. 

Learn more about the Project in this video: Milpas 101 Operational Improvements - YouTube