San Mateo overhauls dangerous intersection to better protect pedestrians, cyclists

SAN MATEO, Calif. (KGO) -- A yearlong project to improve safety at one of San Mateo's most dangerous intersections is now complete.

The upgrades at 3rd Avenue and Norfolk Street include protected bike lanes, new bike signals and improved pedestrian crossings.

City officials say the changes are designed to make the area safer for both pedestrians and cyclists.

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Move San Mateo, an advocacy group supporting biking and public transit, praised the improvements.

"This is connecting people with parks, this is huge for our community," said Max Mautner, a local cyclist.

Mautner said the project is a rare opportunity to celebrate infrastructure changes.

"I'm just excited about this change. It's not very often we get to celebrate the completion of changes," he said.

The intersection has long been recognized as a high-risk area.

"The goal here is just to diminish the risk that people rightfully perceive about walking in their own neighborhood," Mautner said.

City officials say similar safety projects are planned for 19th Avenue and Fashion Island Boulevard. Construction also began last month on the Delaware Street "Safe Routes to School" project.

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"This project is finally complete, but it won't be the last one," Mautner said. "The city of San Mateo says they have multiple other things coming down the pipeline."

Councilmember Danielle Cwirko-Godycki said the city is investing $40 million in the coming years for future improvements.

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new intersection on Saturday April 25.