ECR Burlingame Detour

Starting on June 14, the detour will serve the affected construction area as outlined in SamTrans service alerts and route maps. 

SamTrans will share updates through its website, service alerts, social channels and rider communications. 

Yes, SamTrans has adjusted Route ECR’s schedules to account for the detour and potential construction delays. Timetables will be updated with the upcoming service change effective June 14, 2026. Please check new timetables on SamTrans.com or use real-time bus arrival information on Google Maps, Transit app, and other apps. 

Construction may pause for the day, but the street may still not be safe or accessible for buses and passengers. Conditions can include changing lane widths that are too narrow for buses to safely pass through, uneven surfaces, blocked curb and sidewalk access, and temporary traffic controls. A nightly switch would also create confusion for riders and our bus operators. 

Not always. Crews may leave the area, but the street and bus stop zones may still not be in a condition that supports safe bus operations or passenger boarding. 

A consistent detour gives riders one clear place to catch the bus each day, no matter the time. Switching between two route patterns would make service harder to understand where to be at the right times and make our service feel less reliable, especially when construction timing changes at the last minute. 

Yes. SamTrans tried that approach during the early months of construction, and it was not successful. Construction conditions changed unexpectedly, including lane closures that narrowed traffic flow and made operations unsafe and unreliable. Even though construction crews may expect or hope to be complete by a certain time, they may be delayed or need to change their plans to complete their work.  

Current concerns on this section of El Camino Real include narrow lanes, limited space for buses to stop, changing traffic patterns and stop areas that may not be safe or accessible for all passengers, including passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. 

Some lanes have been, or will be, reduced to 10 feet wide. That does not provide enough room for buses to maneuver safely in all conditions. 

Often during construction, El Camino Real will only operate one traffic lane in each direction. In some areas, there is not enough room for buses to dwell at stops without blocking the only travel lane. That creates safety and traffic concerns. These travel lanes will not always be at the curb side of the street, limiting access to bus stops and sidewalks.

Yes. SamTrans must make sure riders can board and exit safely, including riders who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Unfortunately, the agency cannot guarantee accessible boarding in the work zone at all times under current conditions, which means it is essential to identify alternative routing where safe and accessible bus stops can be identified. 

The El Camino Real Roadway Renewal Project in Burlingame is expected to continue until 2029. The detour will remain in place while construction conditions make regular Route ECR service unsafe or unreliable. SamTrans will continue reviewing conditions and construction plans with Caltrans. When is it possible to ensure consistent and accessible travel on all or some of El Camino Real, SamTrans will pursue returning the service to El Camino Real.  

Yes. SamTrans will stay in close contact with Caltrans and will return service to El Camino Real when there is a long enough stretch of safe, stable conditions to support regular operations. 

Due to this detour, ECR riders will have access to fewer stops, particularly between Broadway and the Millbrae Transit Center. This is because the northbound side of California Drive is inaccessible for safe passenger boarding and alighting. In the short term, riders traveling northbound should continue to the Millbrae Transit Center and transfer to a southbound ECR bus, which serves additional stops along California Drive where safe sidewalks are available. SamTrans is also working with the city of Burlingame to evaluate temporary bus stop improvements that could safely expand service in this area.