Caltrans is continuing final design and right-of-way acquisition for the State Route 156 Improvement Project to construct a new four-lane expressway from the Alameda in San Juan Bautista to Union Road in Hollister. Caltrans provided information on the project and new roadway design features. The $48.5 million project is scheduled to start construction in October 2019.
Funding for construction has been identified through the State Interregional and Regional Improvement Program and local traffic impact fees.
Caltrans hosted a Project Development Team meeting in Hollister on June 6. At the meeting, the team discussed the project schedule, design, and funding. There is a new project design element being developed to address traffic impacts on the highway at the Bixby Road intersection. The proposed design includes a two-lane roundabout to be constructed as part of the project.
More information about the project is available on the Caltrans District 5 website. The Council of Governments (COG) Board will receive another update on the project at its meeting in August.
COG Approves Transit Needs Report, With Bus Stop Improvements Scheduled in Fall 2017
Each year, the COG holds an annual Unmet Transit Needs hearing and public meetings to provide a forum for residents, transit users, and community members to express service needs provided by the Local Transportation Authority (LTA), which include County Express and Specialized Transportation Services.
COGÂ held one hearing and two public meetings in March 2017 to receive public testimony on the bus services provided by County Express and Specialized Transportation Services.
Staff is working with the LTA to implement service adjustments that were identified in the process. In particular, the public can look forward to enhanced bus stops in Hollister and San Juan Bautista as the LTA implements parts of its Bus Stop Improvement Plan in Fall 2017.
Free Shuttle to County Fair in SeptemberÂ
This year, County Express is once again offering a free shuttle to the San Benito County Fair. The shuttle will operate Friday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 1swith pick-ups at four locations in Hollister: Veterans’ Park, Fourth and San Benito streets, the San Benito Health Foundation, and Kmart.  The schedule will be available online in August.
The community is encouraged to use the free shuttle service and purchase county fair passes in advance. All riders will be asked for fair admission on board the bus at Gate 1, and then will be driven to Gate 3 to get out and enjoy the Fair. All shuttle riders will be eligible to win a raffle prize provided by the Local Transportation Authority of San Benito County.
Get connected with Caltrans
Maintenance problems or safety concerns on state highways can be reported directly to Caltrans via the online Maintenance Service Request portal.
Find out about traffic conditions, construction, and accidents using the Caltrans Quickmap service, which is also available as an app.