Interstate 280 (California)

Interstate 280 (I-280), also known as the Junipero Serra Freeway, is a major north-south auxiliary Interstate Highway in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. It runs from I-680 in San Jose to I-190 and U.S. Route 101 in San Francisco. A significant portion of the highway traverses the peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, providing scenic views and connecting Silicon Valley with San Francisco.

The route is notable for its landscaping and aesthetic design, particularly south of San Francisco, where it is often described as one of the most beautiful freeways in the United States. It avoids major urban areas and travels through a primarily suburban and rural landscape. This feature has contributed to debates about the highway's capacity and whether it adequately serves the transportation needs of the densely populated Bay Area.

I-280 provides access to several key locations and communities, including Cupertino, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Bruno. It also serves as a major artery for commuters traveling between the South Bay (Silicon Valley) and San Francisco, although it often experiences significant traffic congestion during peak hours.

Historically, there have been proposals to extend or modify I-280, but many of these have faced opposition due to environmental concerns and community resistance. The existing alignment reflects a compromise between transportation needs and the desire to preserve the natural beauty of the area. The freeway's name, Junipero Serra Freeway, honors the controversial Spanish Franciscan missionary Junípero Serra.