REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Ewert Road Closure City Council Letter (Liw)
Report
BACKGROUND
City of San Jose Airport and Transportation staff attended the June 29, 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting to discuss the proposed closure of Ewert Road on the San Jose International Airport property. As stated during the presentation, Ewert Road was purpose-built as an internal airport shuttle bus access road to connect two former airport parking facilities on airport property.
While Ewert Road has been informally utilized as a means of access between Martin Avenue, De La Cruz/Central and points south of the Airport, it was not designed or maintained as a public multi-modal corridor.
San Jose has indicated that there have been a number of collisions and security incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists on Ewert Road, resulting in injury and/or law enforcement calls. Additionally, the San Jose Airport will be seeking bids to develop the remaining acreage on the northwest side of the airfield (along Martin Avenue), which will be a private leasehold with no public access at Martin Avenue. Ewert Road is expected to see an increased amount of vehicle traffic after this property is developed next year, further adding to the risk of collisions. A City of San Jose safety review of the area concluded that the removal of public access to Ewert Road would be the best path forward.
City of San Jose staff stated that Ewert Road will be physically closed to the public on October 1, 2026.They indicated that alternate east to west bike and pedestrian access is available via the new Class I bike trail along the Highway 101 interchange connecting De La Cruz/Central Expressway to the Guadalupe River Trail. While this route is longer than Ewert Road, it is designed to offer a safer and more reliable experience for users of all ages and abilities.
DISCUSSION
Following the City of San Jose's presentation, the BPAC expressed interest in continuing the discussion and requested that the item be brought back at its next meeting as an action item. Because the item was brought to BPAC as an informational only item, the BPAC was unable to make a motion at that meeting. During the public comment period, numerous speakers and the BPAC expressed opposition to the proposed closure. In response, the BPAC indicated its interest in preparing a statement to the City Council informing them of the closure and requesting that they consider taking appropriate action such as sending a letter to the City of San Jose.
ALTERNATIVES
1. BPAC approve a motion where the BPAC recommends to the City Council that the City Council write a letter to the City of San Jose related to the closure
2. Take no action
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
BPAC to discuss the matter on whether to recommend to City Council that a letter be sent to the City of San Jose regarding the upcoming closure of Ewert Road
Staff
Written by: Carol Shariat, Transportation Manager, Public Works
Approved by: Michael Liw, Assistant Director/City Engineer, Public Works