73rd Avenue Active Routes to Transit

Status:
In Process

About

Updated: June 28, 2024

Posted: March 27, 2020

Update June 28, 2024: OakDOT successfully applied for grant funding from the Caltrans Active Transportation Program. The selected median path design is estimated to cost $44 million to implement. A requested $40 million from Caltrans and $4 million in local match funding will make this concept a reality. Grant awards will be announced in 2025.

The Oakland Department of Transportation is presently working on design plans to seek implementation funding for enhanced multimodal transportation infrastructure along 73rd Avenue/Hegenberger Road, connecting the Eastmont Transit Center, Coliseum BART Station, and the newly constructed International Blvd Bus Rapid Transit (Tempo) system. This project seeks to prioritize safety enhancement for the comfort of transit users, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Project Goals:

Low-stress bicycle facilities for enhanced cyclist safety and improved separation from motorized vehicles, such as buffered bike lanes, a center-running median bike path, or an innovative frontage road design.
Bus boarding islands to streamline bus operations and increase visibility for transit riders.
Two protected intersections design to prioritize bicyclist safety and reduce pedestrian crossing distances.
High-visibility crosswalk markings at all intersections to improve pedestrian safety.
Extended medians to create pedestrian refuges in the center of the street and lower turning speeds.
Dedicate bicycle connection to establish connectivity to Coliseum BART at International Blvd, ensuring convenient and safe access for cyclists.
Introduce of a new pedestrian/bicycle crossing across 73rd Avenue to provide direct and accessible entry to Eastmont Transit Village.

Background

The project was designated as a priority in both the 2019 bicycle plan update, "Let's Bike Oakland," and the 2021 East Oakland Mobility Action Plan (EOMAP). To ensure community participation, the City established a design process led by residents and community-based organizations. Throughout various engagement opportunities, community members expressed concerns about safety, including issues with speeding and reckless driving at intersections. Also, they highlighted security concerns related to biking and walking alongside vehicle traffic, fearing potential exposure to drive-by assault. The existing Class II bike lanes are faded and fail to meet the safety requirements expressed by the community. East Oakland residents expressed feeling unsafe while utilizing the current bike facilities or crossing 73rd Ave to reach the Eastmont Transit Center.

A previous ATP Cycle 6 grant application in 2022 featuring a concept design for buffered bike lanes was not awarded. The City is now developing alternatives for a 100% final design using local funding. OakDOT is pursuing three design alternatives, all of which include dedicated bicycle facilities and protected intersections. A 100% final design with improved walking and biking facilities is more likely to be awarded funding for construction from the upcoming ATP Cycle 7 grant in 2024.

The design alternatives are:

Class IIA Buffered Bike Lanes with a painted buffer between drivers and bicyclists
Local Access Lanes only open to local traffic and indicated as Class III Neighborhood Bike Routes
Center-running, two-way median bike path, equivalent to a Class IV Cycletrack

The project offers secure pathways to schools, transit, and important destinations. With improved biking and walking facilities, students at Markham Elementary School can safely commute to their classes and extracurricular activities. The complete street enhancements would also improve the quality of one of Oakland's highly frequented transit routes, 73rd Avenue. AC Transit Route 73 operates at 15-minute intervals and serves as a connection to Coliseum BART, granting residents regional employment opportunities. The proposed bike facilities aim to provide easier access to two significant employment and retail hubs: the Eastmont Town Center and the International Blvd business corridor.

Public Engagement

OakDOT is coordinating with the community to get the word out to residents and stakeholders around 73rd Avenue. Come find us at the following meetings or events:

Outreach Meetings

Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 PM
Neighborhood Council District 30Y meeting
Register to join on Zoom
Thursday, March 14 at 6:00 PM
Neighborhood Council District 30X meeting
Register to join on Zoom
Thursday, April 18 at 6:00 PM
Bicyclist and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) meeting
In person at City Hall or online on Zoom (See April meeting info)

Pop-up Events

Saturday, March 9 at 11-2 PM (EVENT CANCELLED)
Pop-up at Eastmont Transit Center
73rd Ave and Foothill Blvd, Oakland
Wednesday, March 13 at 4-6 PM
Pop-up at Coliseum BART Station
7200 San Leandro St, Oakland

Design Selection and Online Survey

Following community outreach in Spring 2024, OakDOT is happy to recommend a Median Path for the 73rd Avenue Active Routes to Transit project.

Thank you to 680 survey-takers for letting us know your concerns and hopes for 73rd Ave. Project staff carefully considered survey responses and conversations with nearby residents, schools, and businesses, and found that the Median Path design had the strongest community support of all three design options while also improving safety and comfort for people driving, taking transit, or using active transportation.

What’s next?

Through summer and fall 2024, OakDOT will finalize designs. Staff will again engage with residents, businesses, and community members to make sure the project meets community needs. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved!

Other projects in the neighborhood

Oakland Intermodal Terminal Coliseum BART Project - pedestrian access improvements to Coliseum BART
Calm East Oakland Streets - a network of calm streets for walking and biking to local destinations