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The Redwood City Council on Monday unanimously approved the acquisition of multiple properties needed to advance the State Route 84/U.S. 101 Interchange Reimagined Project.
“It’s really important that this project happens for the safety of our constituents,” said Council member Isabella Chu.
The resolutions passed will allow the city to initiate eminent domain proceedings—a legal process enabling governments to acquire private property for public use with just compensation—if voluntary agreements cannot be reached.
Director of Engineering and Transportation Tanisha Werner delivered the staff presentation, noting that the interchange, initially constructed in 1959, is outdated and has become a high-collision area. She said that between 2018 and 2022, the original design resulted in 195 crashes, 49% of which were rear-end collisions.
“That is an incredibly high number for one location within our city,” Werner said, referring to the collisions.
According to the city, the location’s redesign is intended to reduce traffic congestion, improve safety, and enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The project will replace confusing five-legged intersections with standard four-legged ones, extend freeway ramps, and add bikeways, Werner said.
The project has been in the works for years, and the estimated three-year construction timeline is expected to begin in 2027. Giving an update on the development, Werner said the project design is at 95% completion, and the city is currently in the right-of-way phase, which involves securing access to privately owned land needed for the project.
Leo Scott, the project manager, said 11 acquisitions are needed for road widening, bikeway installations and pedestrian safety improvements. These include portions of land near Veterans Boulevard, Broadway, Bay Road and Seaport Boulevard. Scott added that most acquisitions involve narrow strips of land or temporary construction easements necessary for staging and permanent infrastructure.
Werner further noted that the city has initiated negotiations with each of the 11 property owners in compliance with California Government Code Section 7267.2, which outlines “just compensations” for property owners.
During public comment, resident Chris MacIntosh expressed concern that the acquisitions might force the closure of businesses such as CVS and Smart & Final, which serve nearby North Fair Oaks.
“Having these stores is very important to many people as they can be accessed easily on foot or by car without crossing a dangerous road,” MacIntosh said.
Scott and Council member Jeff Gee, however, clarified that none of the businesses would be displaced or forced to close due to the acquisitions. Property owners will also receive at least 90 days’ notice before the city takes possession of any land, they said.
“People have been aware of this project for a very long time and had ample notice,” Council member Chris Sturken said.
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