REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
San Tomas Trail Extension Feasibility Study (Santa Clara County)
Report
BACKGROUND
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) invited Bay Area public agencies to apply for the competitive 2024 Climate Program Implementation Grants and submit projects for capital grant funding on September 30, 2024. The goals of the grant program help to implement MTC's Climate Program strategies identified in Plan Bay Area 2050, achieve the region's 19% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and advance MTC's Active Transportation strategies to build a complete streets network.
Bay Area cities, counties, transit agencies, and county transportation agencies were eligible to submit project proposals to one or more of the four capital grant programs. The Roads Department applied for funds within the Active Transportation Capital Design Technical Assistance program.
The San Tomas Aquino Trail network extension project was selected for a grant award, a Class I shared-use path designed for all ages and abilities that aligns with MTC's Active Transportation Network goals.
DISCUSSION
The San Tomas Aquino Trail network extension will be located on the west side of San Tomas Expressway from Homestead to Moorpark Avenue. The path is identified in the County's Active Transportation Plan as a high-priority corridor. Additionally, Moorpark Avenue is identified in the City of San Jose as a major bike corridor providing regional connectivity.
The trail will be between 10 and 12 feet wide within the existing expressway right-of-way. The trail will be paved with asphalt and concrete and will include signage and striping. A concrete safety barrier will separate the trail from the expressway, and a community wall will provide security for the adjacent residential properties. The plans include an approximately 6-foot-wide shoulder for bicyclists on the east side of the Class I Trail. The grant will bring the plans to 6...
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