If you drive through Gilroy and southern Santa Clara County, you have probably noticed the orange cones, lane closures, and detour signs that have become a daily reality on local highways. Major construction projects along US Highway 101, State Route 152 (Pacheco Pass Highway), and State Route 25 are reshaping the region’s roadways. While these improvements are meant to make driving safer in the long run, the construction zones themselves have become some of the most dangerous stretches of road in the area.
At Mitchell & Danoff Law Firm, Inc we have seen how the Gilroy area has experienced a troubling string of serious and fatal accidents in recent years, many occurring in or near active construction zones. Understanding where these dangers exist and how to protect yourself is critical for anyone who regularly travels these highways.
Major Construction Projects Impacting Gilroy Highways
The US 101/SR 25 Interchange Reconstruction
The largest and most disruptive construction project in the Gilroy area is the Phase 1 reconstruction of the US 101/State Route 25 interchange, located just south of the city. The existing interchange is over 30 years old and was never designed to handle today’s traffic volumes. Rapid growth in commuter, commercial, and recreational traffic has overwhelmed the interchange, resulting in higher-than-average accident rates and traffic backups that spill onto southbound US 101.
The $136 million project, funded by 2016 Measure B and Senate Bill 1, involves completely rebuilding the interchange. Construction is expected to continue through fall 2027. As part of the project, access to US 101 from Castro Valley Road and Mesa Road has been permanently closed, forcing drivers onto unfamiliar alternate routes and creating new traffic patterns that increase the risk of collisions.
Caltrans Slab Replacement on US 101
Caltrans crews have been performing extensive slab replacement and highway restriping on southbound US 101 between East Main Avenue in Morgan Hill and Buena Vista Avenue in Gilroy. These projects require overnight lane closures that often extend into morning commute hours, catching drivers off guard with sudden lane shifts and reduced travel lanes.
State Route 152 (Pacheco Pass) Improvements
Highway 152, also known as Pacheco Pass Highway, connects Gilroy to the Central Valley and is one of the most notoriously dangerous stretches of road in Northern California. Ongoing improvement projects along this corridor mean that drivers frequently encounter construction zones with reduced speeds, lane shifts, and flagging operations on a road already known for its winding curves, steep grades, and heavy truck traffic.
Recent Serious Accidents on Gilroy-Area Highways
The stretch of Highways 101 and 152 near Gilroy has been a persistent accident hotspot. Here are some of the most notable incidents from 2024 and 2025:
- January 2024 – Fatal Multi-Vehicle Pileup on Highway 152: A devastating five-car crash on Highway 152 east of Gilroy claimed the lives of two young sisters from Morgan Hill, ages 4 and 7. The crash was triggered when a driver moved into the eastbound lane to pass a truck and collided with an oncoming vehicle, setting off a chain-reaction pileup.
- January 2024 – Multi-Injury Crash at US 101/SR 152: Five people were hospitalized after a solo vehicle crash on northbound Highway 101 just north of State Route 152. A Toyota Corolla crossed multiple lanes, struck a tree, overturned, and caught fire with an occupant trapped inside.
- February 2024 – Pedestrian Fatality on US 101: A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle near Gilroy on the highway, underscoring the danger for anyone on foot near these high-speed corridors.
- May 2024 – Big Rig Overturns on Highway 152: A big rig hauling 40,000 pounds of printer paper toppled into a ravine on Highway 152 (Hecker Pass), shutting down the road and snarling traffic for hours.
- September 2025 – Major Injury Collision at US 101/SR 152: A serious collision was reported at the US 101 northbound and State Route 152 junction in the Hollister-Gilroy area, resulting in major injuries.
- August 2025 – Fatal Big Rig Crash on Highway 152: One person died when a sedan crashed into a big rig car hauler on westbound Highway 152 near Lovers Lane.
Why Construction Zones Are So Dangerous
Construction zones introduce a unique set of hazards that dramatically increase the risk of accidents:
- Sudden lane shifts and closures. Drivers traveling at highway speeds may not have adequate warning before lanes merge or shift, especially during nighttime construction.
- Reduced speed differentials. When some vehicles slow down for construction zones and others do not, the speed differential creates a high risk of rear-end collisions.
- Unfamiliar road configurations. Permanent closures of familiar on-ramps and off-ramps, like the Castro Valley Road and Mesa Road closures on US 101, force drivers onto unfamiliar routes where confusion can lead to wrong-way driving or sudden stops.
- Narrow lanes and reduced shoulders. Construction zones often eliminate the safety buffer of wide shoulders, leaving no room for error or emergency maneuvering.
- Heavy equipment and workers. The presence of construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway, along with workers on foot, adds additional obstacles drivers must navigate.
- Driver frustration and distraction. Long delays in construction zones lead to frustrated, distracted, and sometimes aggressive driving behavior.
Tips for Staying Safe in Gilroy-Area Construction Zones
With construction expected to continue through at least 2027, Gilroy-area commuters need to stay vigilant. Here are some important safety tips:
- Slow down and obey posted speed limits in construction zones. Fines are doubled in California work zones.
- Increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react to sudden stops or lane changes.
- Stay alert and put away your phone. Distracted driving is deadly in any situation, but construction zones leave even less margin for error.
- Check Caltrans and 511.org for real-time construction updates and road closures before you leave home.
- Use alternate routes when possible. Consider taking Monterey Road or other local streets to avoid the worst highway construction areas.
- Be especially careful at night. Many construction activities occur during overnight hours, with reduced lighting and lane markings that may be confusing.
Your Legal Rights After a Construction Zone Accident
If you are injured in a construction zone crash, liability may extend beyond just the other driver. Construction companies, contractors, and even government agencies like Caltrans may bear responsibility if the construction zone was improperly designed, inadequately signed, or poorly maintained. An experienced Gilroy, CA car accident lawyer can investigate all potential sources of liability.
Injured in a Construction Zone Crash? Call Mitchell & Danoff
At Mitchell & Danoff Law Firm, we represent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians injured in construction zone accidents throughout the Gilroy area and Santa Clara County. We know how to investigate these complex cases, identify all responsible parties, and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a highway construction zone crash near Gilroy, on Highway 152, or anywhere along the US 101 corridor, contact Mitchell & Danoff today for a free consultation. You should not have to pay for someone else’s negligence.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every accident case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. If you have been injured in a construction zone accident, please consult with a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss your individual situation.