The City of Alameda has prioritized enhancements for Grand Street, specifically the section between Shore Line Drive and Encinal Avenue, recognizing the need for improved pavement and safety measures. Following community engagement throughout 2021 and 2022, a final design concept was approved by the City Council on November 1, 2022. This concept plan outlines significant changes aimed at improving the experience for all Grand Street users.
Key features of the approved Grand Street redesign include a comprehensive resurfacing of the street. This will not only enhance ride quality for both cyclists and drivers but also contribute to reduced long-term maintenance. Updated striping and signage are also integral to the plan, ensuring clearer navigation and improved traffic flow along Grand Street.
Pedestrian safety is a paramount concern in the Grand Street project. Improved curb ramps, curbs, and gutters will ensure better accessibility. High visibility crosswalks are planned, alongside flashing beacons at key pedestrian crossings, specifically at Wood School and the intersections of Grand Street with San Antonio and San Jose Avenues. These upgrades are designed to significantly enhance pedestrian visibility and safety on Grand Street.
For cyclists, a major improvement is the introduction of separated bike lanes along Grand Street from Shore Line Drive to Encinal Avenue. This dedicated cycling infrastructure will provide a safer and more comfortable riding experience, encouraging bicycle use and promoting sustainable transportation. Public transportation users will also benefit from enhanced bus stops near Shore Line Drive and Wood School, making bus access more convenient and safer.
To further enhance safety and manage traffic speed on Grand Street, the plan incorporates narrower travel lanes. This design choice is intended to naturally encourage slower vehicle speeds, creating a safer environment for all street users. It is important to note that to accommodate these safety enhancements, including bus islands, separated bike lanes, and high visibility crosswalks, some on-street parking reduction will be necessary.
Looking beyond the initial project scope, Alameda City Council has directed staff to explore extending these improvements further north along Grand Street, reaching all the way to Clement Avenue. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the City’s Active Transportation Plan adopted in December 2022. The plan advocates for separated bikeways spanning the entire length of Grand Street, reinforcing the commitment to creating a comprehensive and safe active transportation network.
The project goals for Grand Street are clearly defined and align with broader city strategies. Firstly, increasing safety for everyone is paramount, directly supporting the Vision Zero Action Plan. Grand Street has been identified as a High Injury Corridor, making these safety improvements critically important. Secondly, the project actively implements the Active Transportation Plan, specifically its objectives for pedestrian enhancements and separated bikeways along the complete Grand Street corridor, targeted for implementation between 2024 and 2030.
Improving mobility for all modes of transport, including AC Transit buses, is another key objective. Furthermore, enhancing the street’s pavement condition is crucial for improving overall street operations, user experience, and reducing future maintenance costs. Finally, all improvements are designed to comply with existing city plans and policies, including Alameda’s General Plan, ensuring a cohesive and strategic approach to urban development.
