In 2019, the City pursued a set of interchange landscaping concepts that included a Caltrans standard landscaping concept and two enhanced concepts. In fall 2019, the Environmental Quality Commission provided direction to pursue an enhanced concept with a forest theme for the interchange, which required an additional $4 million to complete beyond the funding available for the project. City staff pursued an urban greening grant to fund this additional cost, but was ultimately unsuccessful.
In late 2021, the City began pursuing a Caltrans standard landscape plan with more densely planted trees, consistent with community feedback. On July 12, 2022, City Council provided direction to pursue an updated concept that meets the requirements of a Caltrans standard landscape plan and on May 9, 2023, staff provided an updated concept plan for the interchange landscaping that has been reviewed by Caltrans.
The City entered into an agreement with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority and Caltrans to develop construction documents and install landscaping on the interchange. Development of construction documents began in fall 2023. In September 2025, the City Council approved an amendment to the City's agreement with the Transportation Authority to redefine roles and responsibilities for the project, to complete it as quickly and cost effectively as possible. A link to the City Council agenda item is available here.
In addition to the work in the Caltrans right-of-way near the interchange, the City also planted trees, African fern pines, along the US 101 sound walls on both sides of the freeway, along Pierce Road and at the intersection of Van Buren Road and Bay Road in spring 2024.