Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burlingame public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in roads
Broadway grade separation funding gap
Caltrain wrapped up the 65% redesign of the Broadway grade separation — no station at Broadway and no temporary shoofly tracks. Final design would cost $24 million plus $26 million for property acquisition, and Caltrain owes the council a realistic total project cost in August; the last estimate was $615 million. Mayor Brownrigg is worried about the ever-climbing price tag.
Easement clearance and alley maintenance quality
The city hired the San Jose Conservation Corps for three years of clearing overgrown vegetation and debris from utility easements — work that also reduces fire risk. A resident complained that last summer's alley clearing was sloppy, and pushed the Council to postpone approval until the scope of work was in the packet; staff said the full bid documents live on the Planet Bids portal.
Rollins Road streetscape redesign
With the Broadway grade separation possibly never happening, Colson proposed studying a grade-separated bike/ped bridge over the Caltrain tracks near North Rollins Road to connect new housing to schools and Broadway. Colleagues agreed to explore it.
Street sweeping and parked cars
The Mayor wants the city to consider parking restrictions on sweeping days — streets are so packed the sweeper can't reach the curbs, which also worsens flooding risk.
Regional transit sales tax proposal
Caltrain faces a $75 million annual deficit. Without a November 2026 revenue measure, service could drop to hourly trains, no weekends, and closures of a third of stations — a big deal for anyone commuting or riding the Peninsula.
Caltrain funding crisis
Caltrain faces a $75 million annual deficit. Without a November 2026 revenue measure, service could drop to hourly trains, no weekends, and closures of a third of stations — a big deal for anyone commuting or riding the Peninsula.
Pedestrian safety at the Park Road / El Camino gateway
Commissioners asked for bulb-outs and sidewalk widening at the chaotic Park/Peninsula/El Camino junction, noting the 144-unit project will add foot traffic to a tricky intersection the city only partly controls.
2026 Street Resurfacing Project
$2.4M resurfaces eight streets including Rollins Road. Colson wants signs explaining projects are funded by gas tax/SB 1, since residents want road repairs but also gas tax repeal.
Old Bayshore Complete Streets Project
A $19.5M grant-funded redesign of Old Bayshore Highway — one lane each way, better crosswalks and bike lanes — starts design now with construction targeted for 2028. Hotels will be engaged early.
US 101 Corridor Connect priority projects for Burlingame
SMCTA identified Burlingame priorities including Broadway Caltrain grade separation, an Old Bayshore bikeway, and El Camino Real improvements, with a new mini-grant program offering up to $750,000 per project with no local match — applications due in July.
Murchison, Trousdale, and Davis Bike Lane Project
A $453,256 construction contract with Redgwick Construction will build bike lanes, with Millbrae reimbursing the city for work on Murchison Drive.
FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program
A $33 million draft capital plan for next year, with $20 million in grants — mostly for rebuilding Old Bayshore Highway as a complete street. Locally funded highlights include sidewalk/ADA repairs, the parks corporation yard design, fire station upgrades, and street resurfacing including Rollins Road.
El Camino Real Project Traffic Impacts
Caltrans' El Camino Real reconstruction has meant detours, tree removal, and headaches for commuters and school runs. After pushback, work now starts at 9 a.m. when schools are affected, and speed cushions on Carmelita will return within about a month.
Broadway petroleum spill and emergency response lessons
A gasoline leak discovered January 7 contaminated PG&E and AT&T vaults around Broadway and California Drive, forcing road closures for nearly two weeks. The county has named the A&A gas station as the responsible party, and the council is pushing for better emergency alerts, live closure maps, detour parking relief, and help for Broadway merchants who lost business.