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Wheel Talk Podcast Guests (in order of appearance):

• Jeneane Crawford, Caltrans Distric 4 PIO for San Mateo County
  • US 101 / SR 92 Interchange Short Term Area Improvements Project
  • Caltrans Quickmap
• Jessica Manzi, San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) Director of Project Delivery
  • US 101 / SR 92 Interchange Direct Connector Project
• Max Mautner, Car-free San Mateo resident
  • 19th Avenue and Fashion Island Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project

Episode overview

The Highway 101 and 92 interchange is one of the busiest and most complex transportation hubs in the Bay Area — and it’s also the focus of several major projects that often get confused with one another.

In this episode of Wheel Talk, we break down three distinct transportation efforts connected to the interchange and surrounding communities, each with its own purpose and timeline.

First, we look at a safety and bottleneck improvement project already underway, designed to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow through known trouble spots. Caltrans Public Information Officer Jeneane Crawford explains what drivers can expect during construction and how success will be measured.

Next, we examine a proposed direct connectors project that could link Highway 92 with the 101 express lanes. Still under review, this proposal has raised important community questions. San Mateo County Transportation Authority Director of Project Delivery Jess Manzi responds to public concerns and clarifies where the project stands today.

Finally, we shift the focus from cars to people with a discussion of the Fashion Island Boulevard and 19th Avenue Multimodal Improvements Project. Car-free San Mateo Resident Max Mautner explores how rethinking this vehicle-focused corridor could improve safety and access for people walking, biking, rolling, and using transit.

Three projects. Different goals. One very busy interchange — and a clearer picture of how mobility is evolving along the Peninsula.

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(904) 867-4466

Send us an email:
wheeltalk@samtrans.com

Hop Off Here: Your ticket to exploring the Bay Area.

Our first stop is on the Coastside to explore Quarry Park in El Granada near Half Moon Bay. This San Mateo County Parks gem offers trails and coastal views. Best of all, SamTrans Ride Plus can take you there with free transfers from routes 117 and 294.

Ranger Tommy Hart shares his insights for exploring this activity-packed destination.

Sports & Concerts

November is packed with games and concerts:

• Football: The 49ers vs. Rams and 49ers vs. Panthers matchups at Levi’s Stadium are easy to reach by Caltrain to Mountain View and a quick hop on VTA Light Rail.
• College Football: Take Caltrain or SamTrans to see the Stanford Cardinal at three home games in November, including the Big Game — Cal vs Stanford — on Saturday, Nov. 22.
• Soccer: The 2025 NWSL Championship comes to PayPal Park on Nov. 22, just a short walk from Santa Clara Station.
• Hockey & Hoops: The San Jose Sharks face off at SAP Center, and the Golden State Warriors light up Chase Center — both an easy Caltrain ride away.

Music fans can look forward to a November with Shane Gillis and Billie Eilish at the Chase Center in SF, and Bryan Adams, Pat Benatar, Christian Nodal, Ramón Ayala, and Banda MS performing at SAP Center in San Jose.

Food and Drink

We roll into Redwood City to speak with Verónica Escámez, founder of Casa Círculo Cultural, about pan de muerto.

Verónica's favorite bakeries (note — slightly different than spoken-word version):

• Panadería Michoacana #2 – 2940 Middlefield Rd.
• Chavez – 775 Arguello St.
• Mi Tienda – 812 Fifth Ave., North Fair Oaks

Visit Redwood City’s Día de Muertos Celebration, Sunday, Nov. 2.

Other Events

• Daly City Veterans Day Celebration
  – Nov. 6, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., War Memorial Community Center (via SamTrans ECR)
• San Francisco Veterans Day Parade
  – Nov. 9, Fisherman’s Wharf (Caltrain + Muni 30-Stockton)
• San Jose Veterans Day Parade
  – Nov. 11, San Jose (walkable from Diridon Station)

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Wheel Talk Podcast Guests (in order of appearance):

• Cassie Halls, SamTrans Major Corridors Manager
• Patrick Gilster, San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) Director of Planning and Fund Management
• Megan Wooley-Ousdahl, South San Francisco Deputy City Manager
• Jacob (Jake) Buffenbarger, Caltrans System Planning Branch Chief: Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties
• Mitch Postel, San Mateo County Historical Association President

The Grand Boulevard Initiative: Turning El Camino Real into a street for everyone

This busy highway was once a trade route linking Ohlone villages in what we now call San Mateo County, in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. When the Spanish arrived, it became known as El Camino Real — the King’s Highway — carrying travelers between California’s missions.

Centuries later, this corridor remains a backbone for commerce and travel. But today, it faces modern challenges: congestion, safety concerns, and the need to better serve all who rely on it.

The Grand Boulevard Initiative (GBI) aims to reimagine this historic roadway as a modern “complete street” designed for everyone—walkers, bikers, transit riders, drivers, and local businesses.

What Is the Grand Boulevard Initiative?

The Grand Boulevard Initiative is a collaboration led by SamTrans in partnership with Caltrans, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA), and 15 cities along the Peninsula. The goal is to ensure that El Camino Real is a safe and vibrant street where people of all ages and abilities travel comfortably. Potential improvements include:

• Wider sidewalks and safer pedestrian crossings
• Dedicated bus lanes and better transit efficiency through congested areas
• Bike-friendly design and protected lanes
• Street trees, landscaping, and placemaking enhancements

Why El Camino Real Matters to San Mateo County

El Camino Real is more than just a highway — it connects residents to jobs, health care centers, schools, and civic spaces. In South San Francisco alone, the corridor links the new Library | Parks and Recreation Center (LPR), medical facilities, and BART. A revitalized El Camino Real would not only improve mobility and safety but could also boost economic vitality and quality of life along the Peninsula.

Learn More About the Grand Boulevard Initiative

The Grand Boulevard Initiative is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform San Mateo County’s most important streets. To stay updated on workshops, planning milestones, and opportunities to get involved, visit samtrans.com/GBI.

Contact us:

• WheelTalk@SamTrans.com
• WheelTalk@SMCTA.com
• WheelTalk@Caltrain.com