Phase 1 of the East 14th Street/Mission Boulevard and Fremont Boulevard Corridor Project marked a significant step towards realizing a long-term vision for this vital artery in Central and Southern Alameda County. Completed between 2018 and 2020, this initiative laid the groundwork for improvements across unincorporated Alameda County and the cities of San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, and Fremont.
This crucial corridor serves as a key north-south passage, parallel to Interstate 880, and connects to major east-west routes via the San Mateo and Dumbarton bridges. It also links to key commute corridors such as Niles Canyon (State Route 84) and Sunol Grade (Interstate 680), making it an essential travel option within Alameda County. With substantial development and growth underway along its path, the East 14th Street corridor is poised for transformation.
Building upon prior planning efforts, the project involved a detailed analysis of multimodal transportation along East 14th Street. This led to the identification of specific short-, medium-, and long-term improvements designed to enhance mobility and safety. The near-term recommendations from this study are now being implemented in conjunction with the East Bay Greenway Multimodal Project Phase 1, demonstrating a coordinated approach to regional connectivity. Furthermore, cities like Union City and Fremont are actively developing projects that align with the overarching vision for the East 14th Street, Mission Boulevard, and Fremont Boulevard Corridor, including the Fremont Boulevard Safe and Smart Corridor and the Decoto Complete Streets Project in Union City and Fremont.
Addressing Key Concerns Along East 14th Street
The impetus for these improvements stemmed from comprehensive data collection, analysis, and community engagement conducted between 2018 and 2020. A central concern voiced by residents was the issue of vehicular speeding and safety on East 14th Street. Public feedback also strongly supported initiatives to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, enhance transit service reliability, and extend Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to the South Hayward BART station.
The need for these improvements is underscored by several critical factors:
- Significant Safety Deficits: Alarmingly, 90% of the East 14th Street corridor is designated as part of the countywide high-injury pedestrian network, and 50% is within the high-injury bicycle network. These statistics highlight the urgent need for safety enhancements to protect vulnerable road users.
- Serving Equity Priority Communities: A large portion of the East 14th Street corridor traverses Equity Priority Communities (EPC), as defined by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in 2021. These communities have a high proportion of households without vehicle access, making them heavily reliant on public transit, cycling, and walking. Improvements to East 14th Street are therefore crucial for ensuring equitable access to transportation options.
- Connecting Key Transit Hubs: The corridor strategically links four BART stations, providing essential regional connections for residents and employees within the study area. Enhancing the corridor strengthens the accessibility and reach of the BART system.
- Potential for Mode Shift: Data reveals that 28% of trips in the study area are two miles or less, and 55% are five miles or less. These short distances are ideal for shifting towards transit and bicycle modes, reducing reliance on private vehicles and promoting sustainable transportation.
- Accommodating Growth and Development: Since 2014, over 4,000 new homes have been constructed or are in the approval pipeline within communities along East 14th Street. This residential growth is accompanied by new commercial developments, supported by local land use policies that encourage ongoing investment along the corridor. This influx of mixed-use development will naturally increase pedestrian activity and the potential for greater transit ridership and cycling, creating a vibrant and economically robust environment.
map of E14-Mission project area
Alt text: Map highlighting the East 14th Street and Mission Boulevard project area in Alameda County, spanning from San Leandro to Hayward, indicating key cities and the project corridor.
Conclusion: Towards a Safer and More Mobile East 14th Street
The East 14th Street/Mission Boulevard and Fremont Boulevard Corridor Project represents a comprehensive effort to address critical transportation needs within Alameda County. By prioritizing safety, enhancing multimodal options, and responding to community concerns, this project is paving the way for a revitalized East 14th Street that better serves residents, businesses, and the region as a whole. The ongoing implementation of near-term improvements and the alignment of city-level projects demonstrate a strong commitment to realizing the long-term vision for this essential corridor, ensuring its continued importance for years to come.
