TAM proposes several improvements for the interchange to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier for all users to get to and through this interchange. Proposed projects include restriping, adding new bike lanes and widening part of the Atherton Avenue overcrossing. 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 increasing safety and making it easier to get around the interchange. Existing traffic signals will be upgraded and interconnected. Class II bike lanes will be added throughout the area, several lanes will be restriped, and more dedicated turn-lanes will be added to intersections.

The long-term concept will build on some of the near-term proposals, including adding turn lanes and widening roadways to meet traffic demands. The Atherton Avenue overcrossing will be widened above the SMART corridor to provide a second westbound left-turn lane, the sidewalk on the south side will be widened, and new bike lanes will be added on both sides of the overcrossing.