El Camino Real Sewer Capacity Improvements
Project Type:
Conveyance – Basin 2-3 Collection System Improvements
Approximate Construction Start & End Dates:
Spring 2024 – Spring 2025
Project Status:
The El Camino Real Sewer Capacity Improvements Project is part of our 10-year plan to improve San Mateo’s overall wastewater system and better manage flooding.
A majority of the El Camino Real (ECR) Sewer Capacity Improvements Project was completed in October 2024. The remaining work involves a section of sewer installation work near Laurel Creek that got delayed due to unforeseen underground conditions. The project included installation of approximately 7,800 linear feet of pipe, including new and upsized relief sewers and manhole installations.
All construction work in Area 1 was completed and majority of work in Area 3 along, or adjacent to, El Camino Real was completed as shown in the figure. As noted above, some work remains in Area 2 along El Camino Real.
Construction will occur weekdays (Mon-Fri) between 8 AM and 5 PM.
Project Locations:
The project work will be performed in three areas.
Area 1: Completed
Area 2:
- El Camino Real southbound from north of Hillsdale Intersection to W 36th Ave
- 36th Ave between El Camino Real and Colegrove St
- Colegrove St between 36th Ave and W 39th Ave
Area 3:
- El Camino Real southbound between W 38th Ave and W 42nd Ave
Note: work on El Camino Real will be performed during the night shift to minimize disruption to community.
Separate notifications will be sent prior to the start of construction to alert property owners and occupants.
Potential temporary construction impacts may include:
- Parking restrictions and lane closures – only in work zones
- Driveway access restrictions – only in work zones
- Detours when working night shift on El Camino Real
- Construction noise, vibration and dust
- Potential sewer service disruptions – only for short duration

Project Description:
The purpose of the Basin 2 & 3 Collection System Upgrade is to improve the ability of the overall wastewater collection system to manage sewer flows during heavy seasonal rainfall. These improvements will help prevent sewer overflows, as well as help the City comply with regulatory requirements. During heavy rains, the wastewater collection system capacity is overwhelmed by the amount of rainwater that enters the system through infiltration and inflow. This causes sewer overflows at locations around San Mateo, such as at manholes. These overflows contaminate city streets, creeks, lagoons, beaches, and the San Francisco Bay.
The El Camino Real Sewer Capacity Improvements project involves installation of sewers that total approximately 7,800 linear feet of pipe, including new and upsized relief sewers and installation of manholes. The upgrades will reinforce the system with additional capacity, helping to reduce sewer overflows.
We thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we near the completion of our sewer system improvements.
Key Project Contact:
CWP Project Manager: Makarand Pendse, 1-925-392-3726, Makarand.pendse@jacobs.com