Safety Overhaul Of Dangerous SMC Road Approved At City Council Meeting

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Redwood City is moving ahead with a major safety overhaul of Jefferson Avenue, approving a lane-reduction and bike-lane project after months of study and community outreach.

On Jan. 26, the City Council voted unanimously to support a plan for the Jefferson Avenue Traffic Safety Improvement Project, between Farm Hill Boulevard and El Camino Real that will convert much of the corridor from four travel lanes to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane, add bike lanes, install new pedestrian crossings, and build curb extensions to slow traffic.

Since 2017, there have been 101 collisions on this stretch of Jefferson Avenue, including 15 involving pedestrians and four involving bicyclists, staff reported. The corridor serves as a primary emergency response route for the fire department.

Residents speaking at the meeting described frightening near misses when trying to cross Jefferson with children to reach the park and nearby school. In a city survey on design options, about 74% of 427 respondents supported the council’s decision.

Council members cited both the data and public testimony in backing the project.

Councilmember Marcella Padilla called out the value of the extensive outreach and neighborhood engagement.

“I just want everyone to know that the mailers are worth it, the community outreach is worth it and that it's all appreciated,” Padilla said.

Councilmember Diane Howard praised the process and urged continued follow‑up.

“I'm hoping we can follow up after it's all installed,” Howard said. “And hear from them: What are your thoughts? Did we do it right? Is there something missing?”

Council member Chris Sturken emphasized urgency.

“Overall, this is a fantastic project, and as I think one commenter said, it can't come soon enough,” Sturken said.

The estimated $8 million project is currently fully funded, with roughly $5.5 million from regional and federal grants and the balance from local pavement, transportation impact fee, and ADA funds.

Staff expect to complete design, environmental review and Caltrans approvals by the end of 2026, bid the work in early 2027, and begin construction later that year. Construction is expected to last 8–12 months.