Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burlingame public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in roads with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.