The San Benito Blueprint

Description of Award

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren’s office today announced that San Benito County was award $7.6 million for various safety projects. This award marks the largest award in California’s 18th district with other awards for 2025 going to Watsonville ($560,000) and Morgan Hill ($449,312). The award comes from the US Department of Transportation’s Safe Street and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. The program was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which was passed by Congress in 2021.

Projects Eligible For the Award

The 2025 published award list from the U.S. Department of Transportation mentions that the county will use the funds for safety enhancements at 11 key corridors and intersections. Those improvements include centerline and edgeline rumble strips, dynamic speed feedback signs, curve warning signs, upgraded pavement markings, lighting, high-visibility crosswalks, signal timing and advance dilemma zone protection, and conversion of two intersections to roundabouts.

The two roundabout conversions based on San Benito County’s Local Road and Safety Plan appear to be Shore Road at Frazier Lake Roads and San Justo Road at Prescott Road.

The award lists other project locations as Fairview Road, San Justo Road, Fallon Road, Cienega Road, Shore Road, Panoche Road, Nash Road, Santa Ana Valley Road, Shore Road at Frazier Lake Road, Fairview Road at Santa Ana Road, and Highway 156 at Fairview Road.

San Benito County’s Local Road Safety Plan

The basis for these awards is the San Benito County Local Road and Safety Plan which was prepared for the county in 2022 by Kimley Horn. The plan takes a deeper look at San Benito County’s most dangerous intersections and roadways for travelers using all modes of transportation. Further it outlines potential improvements that can be made to make these areas safer. An active plan is required to be eligible for the Safe Streets and Roads For All grant.

Stay tuned for more!