The San Benito Blueprint

Before You Begin

Often, the topic of the debate on growth is our route to the north, Highway 25. Below we’ve assembled the ongoing projects (with status details) along the commuter route between Gilroy and Hollister. This route is poised to be an active construction zone

Phrases to Know:

SHOPP Projects: SHOPP stands for the State Highway Operation and Protection Program, a statewide Caltrans program focused on repairing, maintaining, and improving existing state highways and infrastructure. These projects typically include pavement repairs, bridge work, safety upgrades, drainage improvements, and traffic operational improvements, and are primarily funded through state and federal transportation dollars rather than local taxes.

SB 1: Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), also known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, is a California law that increased gas taxes and vehicle fees to provide long-term funding for transportation projects across the state. The funding supports road repairs, highway maintenance, bridge improvements, transit projects, and safety upgrades at both the state and local level.

101/25 Interchange Phase 1

This is currently the most visible of the projects along the route. The first phase of the Highway 101/25 interchange will:

• Replace the SR 25 two-lane overcrossing with a four-lane overcrossing spanning across US 101
• Increase the length of the southbound US 101 off-ramp to SR 25 to decrease traffic backups onto US 101
• Upgrade the northbound US 101 ramps to improve exit and merging operations
• Install new traffic signals at the ramp intersections to improve traffic flow
• Construct a separated 2-way bikeway between Castro Valley Road and the southbound 101/SR 25 intersection. Includes a new, wider off-ramp from southbound 101 to minimize backups onto the highway

Status: Under Construction
Estimated Completion: Fall 2028
Updates: Subscribe for email updates on closures and view the project page here.

Santa Teresa Boulevard Extension

Work is currently ongoing on planning the Santa Teresa Boulevard connection between Castro Valley Road and the new 101/25 interchange. This project will:

• Construct a new two-lane roadway connection from Santa Teresa Boulevard, just north of Castro Valley Road, to the upcoming US 101/SR 25 interchange Phase 1 project.
• The two-way Santa Teresa Boulevard Extension would widen to four lanes as it approaches the SR 25/Southbound US 101 ramps intersection to match the proposed roadway width at the interchange.
• Accommodate bike lanes in both directions
• Reconstruct the Santa Teresa Boulevard/Castro Valley Road intersection

Status: In environmental planning phase, currently seeking SB1 funding, Estimated Construction: 2029-2031

Safety Project #1 (Santa Clara County)

Following the Save Lives on 25 Campaign that saw the community and elected leaders lobby Caltrans, local, and state leadership for a bigger focus on the safety of the corridor, 3 projects were proposed and are currently in progress.

The first project, as listed above, will:

• Install a raised median barrier from the Union Pacific Railroad tracks to just beyond the San Benito County line
• Install dynamic feedback signs
• Enhance signage
• Refresh striping along the corridor

Status: In project initiation phase, through the SHOPP program. Estimated Construction: Winter of 2030 (potential for advanced timeline)

Safety Project #2 (Shore Road/25 Roundabout)

Yes, another roundabout. Following Caltrans’ safety analysis of the corridor, it was determined that a roundabout at the intersection of the existing Highway 25 and Shore Road could also use safety improvements. This project would construct a roundabout within Caltrans’ existing right-of-way at Shore Road and Highway 25.

Status: In project initiation phase, through the SHOPP program.
Estimated Construction: Winter of 2030

Safety Project #3 (San Benito County)

The third and final safety project would focus on the San Benito County portion of Highway 25 and would:

• Repave the highway from the northern county line to San Felipe Road
• Install rumble strips
• Replace reflective pavement markers
• Replace reflective barrier markers
• Replace crash cushions
• Install channellizers in advance of crash cushions
• Review speed limit sign placement

Status: In project initiation phase, approved through the SHOPP program.
Estimated Construction: Winter of 2029

Highway Divider (San Felipe Road to Santa Ana Road)

A rather small project that has flown under the radar is the construction of a median barrier along the Highway 25 bypass curve in the city of Hollister. The project is currently in design.

Status: In Design, through the SHOPP program
Estimated Construction: Early 2027

Highway 25 Corridor Improvement Project Phase 1

The project on everyone’s mind, the widening of 25, or a version of it. Currently, the project and all of its alternatives are under environmental review. Still undecided is what the final project will look like and what alignment it will take. What is currently known is that the first segment constructed will be between San Felipe Road and Hudner Lane, just north of the turbo roundabout.

Recently, the SBCOG board of directors concurred with Caltrans to eliminate option 9 for the southern portion. All alignments and their details can be seen in our previous post regarding the Highway 25 project. As of now, the project is still moving forward.

Status: In environmental review phase, currently narrowing alternatives. Estimated Construction (Southern Segment Only): Could Begin Summer 2031

Stay tuned for more

Sources:

San Benito Cog Website
VTA Project Website
Caltrans: Highway 25 Safety Project Presentation
Caltrans State Route 25 Corridor Improvement Project