Key Facts About the I-280 Trail Project
Cost of Construction: TBD for all phases of construction. Design & Feasibility covered by Apple donation of $2.05M; Grant from VTA for construction of $6.1M for the eastern and central portions of the trail.
Length of Project: 2.91 miles
Type of Project: Class 1 Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail (see here for an explanation of different types of bike facilities)
Click here for information from the City of Cupertino’s website
Current Status (May 2022): The City of Cupertino has been awarded a $6.1M grant for the construction of the central and eastern portion of the JST.
The Junipero Serra Trail Feasibility Study was approved in February 2019. Funding for design was expected to be requested during the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process in June 2019; however, Apple donated the full expected cost of the design of the trail ($1.8M) at that time so this was not necessary.
In July 2020, BKF Engineers was awarded the design contract of $895K for the eastern and central portions of the trail. The design of the central and eastern portions is in progress; the eastern portion has completed its environmental review and will go to the Environmental Review Committee for approval in June 2022. Expected construction start date for the eastern portion is early 2023; for the central portion it is early 2024. The western portion has yet to begin design.
Why Does Walk-Bike Cupertino Support this Project?
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Safer connector to school
It will be a safer alternative biking and walking connector to school for Lawson Middle School students who must cross De Anza Boulevard today on Mariani Drive. Class I lanes are the safest biking infrastructure of all.
Reducing traffic congestion on local roads
As this would be an excellent connector between the two Apple Campuses and their various buildings, it would allow more Apple employees to bike to meetings away from their home sites without adding traffic to our roads. If there is a safe alternative to driving to school, more parents may allow their students to travel by bike. It would also reduce complaints of Apple bike traffic traveling through the neighborhood adjacent to Lawson Middle School.
Connectivity to shopping
Homestead High school students and residents living on the west side of Cupertino will be able to shop at Main Street and eventually Vallco easily and safely without driving. The Oaks is also very close to the west side entrance of the trail.
New recreation option
Families, seniors, and the entire community will enjoy walking and biking on this long recreational path. Trails get people outdoors, socializing with their neighbors. This increases community health and connection for all residents.
A greener Cupertino
Using alternative transportation and reducing pollution is great for everyone. By encouraging biking, trails result in fewer cars, less traffic, and cleaner air.
Location of Project
(click map for larger view)
How Walk-Bike Cupertino has actively supported this project
Walk-Bike Cupertino has:
Provided information, maps and data to residents, City Council and Staff regarding number and location of local school children, and usefulness of this trail to cyclists and pedestrians;
Kept supporters up to date on upcoming events and milestones for the project via email newsletters;
Sent emails of support to City Council and ecouraged others to do the same;
Coordinated vocal support at City Council meetings when this topic was to be discussed, including vocal support to accept donations from Apple;
Met with City Staff, Bicycle Pedestrian Commission, and Cupertino City Councilmembers to discuss details of project and to encourage progress and adequate staffing.