Archived News Release from 2009

For Immediate Release

Redwood City Begins “Grand Boulevard” Improvements on Portion of El Camino Real

Redwood City, CA - October 30, 2009 - On Monday, November 2, 2009, Redwood City will begin construction on significant pedestrian, sidewalk, and landscape improvements, as well as a water main replacement, on El Camino Real between Broadway and Brewster Avenue. This is Redwood City’s first step in the regional collaborative effort involving 19 cities and two counties to transform El Camino Real into a “Grand Boulevard” for the length of the peninsula. Work on this project is expected to continue through April, 2010.

Redwood City has received over $1 million in grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Federal Stimulus Package) and the California Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program to pay for this project. The regional Grand Boulevard initiative is designed for El Camino Real to achieve its full potential as a place for residents to work, live, shop and play, creating links between communities that promote walking and transit and an improved and meaningful quality of life.

For more information on the regional Grand Boulevard initiative, go to www.grandboulevard.net.  

El Camino Real, Broadway, and Brewster will remain open during construction. The speed limit has been changed to 25 mph along the 1/10th of a mile on El Camino Real between Broadway and Brewster. Speed limit and construction signs will be posted, and motorists are urged to exercise extra caution and be aware of all traffic control devices in this area at all times. Motorists should expect various lane realignments and turn restrictions (no left or right turns at certain points). Businesses along that section of El Camino Real have been informed of this work, and sidewalk access to all local businesses will be maintained throughout the length of the project.

The very first stage of work on Monday November 2 will start at 7 pm and continue through the night. Thereafter, work will generally take place weekdays from 7:30 am to 4 pm. There may be the need for occasional night work on some portions, and a possibility of occasional weekend work.

Redwood City apologizes for any inconvenience, and asks for the community’s and motorists’ patience and cooperation during the construction period. While there will be delays and inconvenience for a few months, this project will result in an enhanced, more inviting, and improved section of El Camino Real, as we work to transform it into a Grand Boulevard.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, City government, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City’s newsletters or other City documents at www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

###

Contact:
Kevin Fehr
Redwood City Engineering
(650) 780-5923