Featured image: official updated Howard Avenue–Burlingame Avenue detour map, Caltrans District 4, October 16, 2026.

BURLINGAME, SAN MATEO COUNTY — OCTOBER 18, 2026. Drivers and transit passengers traveling on El Camino Real (State Route 82) in Burlingame should plan for a series of daytime full road closures from October 19 through October 27. Caltrans says the work involves removing aging eucalyptus trees as part of a broader roadway rehabilitation effort. Importantly, the agency revised the final segment’s location and detour in an October 16 update.

Closure schedule: three locations and detours

  1. October 19–21, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.: El Camino Real between Peninsula Avenue and Bayswater Avenue, both directions closed; announced detour via Park Road.
  2. October 21–23, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.: Between Bayswater Avenue and Howard Avenue, both directions closed; announced detour via Primrose Road.
  3. October 26–27, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.: Updated: between Howard Avenue and Burlingame Avenue, both directions closed; announced detour via Occidental Avenue.

The updated third closure replaces an earlier description of the October 26–27 work area and detour. Motorists should use the newer Caltrans release rather than relying on an older map.

Will access to businesses and sidewalks change?

Full street closures and construction activity may alter local access and pedestrian routes. Travelers should follow work-zone personnel and posted signs, allow extra time for appointments and deliveries, and avoid using narrow residential streets as improvised shortcuts. Caltrans explicitly warns that adjacent side streets may be too narrow for diverted high traffic volumes.

What about bus riders?

The agency reports extended transit detours and directs SamTrans passengers to its El Camino Real Burlingame detour advisory. Bus riders should check current stop changes before traveling. Caltrans also reminds drivers that left-turn restrictions may apply in active work zones; the updated notice specifies restrictions and describes separate conditions around Broadway Avenue.

Why is this happening?

The work is associated with Caltrans’ $173 million El Camino Real rehabilitation project, which the department says is intended to repave the corridor, improve sidewalks, address some local flooding issues and improve sight lines. Officials say the aging eucalyptus trees will be replaced with new plantings. The $173 million figure describes the overall project, not the price of this particular week’s tree removal.

Before leaving home

Roadwork schedules are subject to change. Verify the latest route through Caltrans QuickMap and SamTrans if using public transportation. This is a significant temporary disruption in a populated commercial and residential corridor; drivers should follow the authorized detours.

For another Bay Area travel advisory, see our coverage of SR-37 Petaluma River Bridge lane reductions. These projects are separate and have different closure windows.

Primary source: Caltrans District 4, updated October 16, 2026. The agency also posted an earlier announcement; this article prioritizes the later update when the two differ.

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