TAM proposes several improvements for the interchange to make it easier and safer to access Highway 101 and improve the flow of traffic. Proposed projects include restriping and widening the freeway. To gain an important understanding of the interchange area, the study examined the following:

• Existing Infrastructure
• Transit Routes and Intermodal Connectivity
• Weekday AM & PM Peak Period Congestion
• Crash Type and Severity
• Environmental Constraints

Many of the study’s recommended changes will make the interchange easier to use for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and people using public transit. The proposals will also increase safety at the interchanges and on surrounding streets and pathways, allowing for smoother travel to, from, and across Highway 101 and local roads.

The near-term improvement concept focuses on creating safer and easier access to US 101 for drivers. A part of southbound US 101 will be restriped to extend the on-ramp lanes and give drivers more room before merging. An alternative proposal would give drivers merging at the Second Street on-ramps direct access to the I-580 connector ramp.

The long-term concept expands on plans to provide more room for merging. Southbound 101 will be widened and a two-lane on-ramp from Second Street will run next to the freeway. Drivers will be able to connect to eastbound I-580 or southbound 101. Francisco Blvd West is proposed to be shifted and realigned to make room for the widened freeway.