At the City Council Study Session about Cal Ave. on February 3, 2025, staff presented two preliminary design concepts—an Adaptive Street and a Reimagined Street—as possible visions for the transformation of Cal Ave. into a vibrant, permanent car-free street that enhances economic vitality and pedestrian experience.
On March 10, 2025, Council permanently closed the car-free portions of Cal Ave. and Ramona Street, amending the Comprehensive Plan and creating a new “community street” classification. The City, acting as the lead agency, prepared a Comprehensive Plan EIR Addendum for the proposed Car Free Cal Ave. and Ramona Street project. The EIR Addendum was sent to Caltrans, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, and California State Historic Preservation Office. In accordance with SB 18, the City carried out required notification to California Native American tribes and followed up with two tribes requesting consultation.
From April to June 2025, near-term improvements on Cal Ave. were implemented, comprised of bollards, colored asphalt paving, planters and plantings at entrance points at El Camino Real, Ash Street, and Birch Street. Bike lane markings were installed at the El Camino Real and Birch Street entrances. New colorful planters and plantings are located at driveways to limit access of vehicles to car free portion of Cal Ave. Pending approval by Caltrans, New bicycle lane improvements are planned at the El Camino Real intersection to enhance safety riding through the intersection. The eastbound bike lane will shift location from curbside to between the right and left vehicle turn lanes (on the westside of El Camino Real) with new bike pavement markings.