The current general plan identified the need to address the future demands on Boronda Rd. A study evaluated two options: a six-lane road with traffic signals verses a four-lane road featuring roundabouts. In 2017, The community, Santa Rita Union School District, Salinas Union High School District, and developers met to discuss the future needs of Boronda Rd. Approximately 70% of the participants were in favor of a roundabout over the 6-lane signaled option. The City Council approved the roundabout plan in May 2017.

The Boronda Congestion Relief Project includes the widening of East Boronda Road from a two-lane roadway into a four-lane roadway. It also includes the construction of 4 multi-lane roundabouts at the intersections:

• McKinnon Street
• El Dorado Drive
• Natividad Road
• Independence Boulevard

Phase 1 - McKinnon at Boronda

Work on the Phase 1 Boronda Rd Congestion Relief Project began November 2024 at McKinnon at Boronda with preparation of the construction area. The overall project includes the widening of East Boronda Road into a four-lane roadway (two lanes at each direction), and the construction of 4 multi-lane roundabouts at the intersections of McKinnon Street (Phase 1) and at El Dorado Drive, Natividad Road, and Independence Boulevard (future phases). The project will include:

• Bioretention facilities (rain gardens that use engineered soils and specific plants to trap and uptake pollutants in stormwater)
• Buffered bike lanes
• Bus pullouts
• Sidewalks
• ADA-compliant access ramps
• Storm drain lines
• Sanitary sewer lines
• Street lighting
• Landscaping