The San Benito Blueprint

At the February 24th Board of Supervisors meeting, a new report prepared for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and San Benito County suggested two potential improvements for the intersection of Enterprise Road and State Route 25.

The intersection currently serves as a major access point to newer neighborhoods both east and south of Hollister, as well as the Ridgemark and Quail Hollow neighborhoods, and is located near several under-construction or proposed housing developments.

According to the report, the intersection at Enterprise Road and Highway 25 could benefit from operational improvements. Currently, the intersection operates at a Level of Service (LOS) “F,” which is considered a failing grade, during both the morning and evening commute periods. During these peak times, drivers attempting to enter Highway 25 from Enterprise Road may wait over a minute in the morning and more than 90 seconds in the evening to find a safe gap in traffic.

The primary concern is for vehicles entering Highway 25 from Enterprise Road. This also represents a potential safety issue, as drivers attempt to cross or turn onto a highway with a 55 mph speed limit while traffic volumes continue to grow.

The study evaluated several intersection designs and found that both a traffic signal and a roundabout would significantly improve operations. The report estimates that a signalized intersection could reduce average wait times to 20–35 seconds, while a roundabout could reduce them further to 10–20 seconds, while also reducing the likelihood of severe crashes.

The report also notes that regional traffic models do not anticipate the need to widen Highway 25 through this area before 2050.

No action has yet been taken on the report, and further study will be required before any improvements move forward. Because the intersection lies on a state highway, Caltrans would ultimately lead the approval process, working in coordination with San Benito County.

Funding for the report and potential improvements would likely come from Traffic Impact Funds, which are paid by developers as new housing and commercial projects are built in the area.

You can read the full report below. Stay tuned for more.