The Redwood City Council has authorized City Attorney Veronica Ramirez to use eminent domain to acquire land from property owners near the Woodside Road-Highway 101 interchange. This decision is aimed at addressing safety concerns, as data indicated that nearly half of 195 reported collisions from 2018 to 2020 were rear-end accidents. The project includes widening Woodside Road and reconstructing ramps, with negotiations ongoing with several impacted property owners. If agreements cannot be reached, the city may pursue court adjudication for compensation amounts.
This is a safety issue. It's really important that this project happens for the safety of our constituents. I will be very supportive of these acquisitions because they're the only way this project is going to happen.
If the city can't reach a deal, the city can declare eminent domain. That will allow the city to seize the land and then go to court to determine how much money each property owner will get.
From 2018 to 2020, 195 collisions were reported, Transportation Director Tanisha Werner said during the meeting. She said that 49% of the collisions were rear-ends and that it was an incredibly high number for one location.
The city is working with Caltrans and the county's transportation authority to widen Woodside Road to six lanes and add dedicated turn lanes. The project would reconstruct the ramps between Woodside and 101.
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