Background
Broadway, historically Oakland’s “main street,” is a major high frequency transit corridor. More buses run on Broadway than on any other street in Oakland. That said, Broadway's current design leads to bus delays and unreliable travel times for transit users. Broadway is also part of Oakland's High Injury Network, meaning it is one of just 6% of streets that account for over 60% of severe and fatal traffic crashes.
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Project Scope
The Broadway Streetscape Improvements will enhance bus reliability and safety for all road users. This project is located on Broadway between 2nd Street and 11th Street and between 20th Street and Grand Avenue. Improvements include:
- Red bus-only lanes to extend the existing bus-only lanes (Phase 1) and further improve transit access and reliability
- Transit Signal Priority (TSP) to help keep the signals green for approaching buses.
- New bus shelters, seating, and trash cans at bus stops.
- New street trees, landscaping, and public seating along the corridor.
- Pedestrian improvements such as bulb-outs, accessible curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, lighting, and wayfinding.
- Removal of the existing slip turn at the 6th Street and Broadway. After project construction, drivers will still be able to turn right, but with much better visibility for pedestrians.
- Fiber cable connectivity to improve signal coordination and enable the expansion of OAK WiFi.
- Upgrading traffic signals and provide protected left turns to increase safety
- Repaving the road
- Lowering the speed limit as part of a new Oakland ordinance to enhance safety
This project is currently in the final design phase.
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Past Engagement and Outcomes
Several prior planning efforts have called for improvements on Broadway. As part of these plans, engagement activities included meetings, workshops, surveys, and more. A summary of this previous engagement can be found in the Broadway Community Engagement Summary (2015-2022). These plans include:
- 2017 Pedestrian Plan
- 2019 Bike Plan
- Downtown Oakland Specific Plan
- Transit Action Strategy
- Howard Terminal Transportation Plan
- Capital Improvement Program, and the
- Oakland Alameda Access Project
Building on past engagement, the project team conducted additional engagement in Summer 2023. The goal was to ensure that the project scope was in line with current stakeholder needs and to inform the conceptual plans. Read the Broadway Streetscape Improvements Engagement Summary (Summer 2023) to learn more.
During Fall and Winter 2023, the project team conducted additional engagement to refine the project designs. This engagement included presentations, meetings, and an open house event. Click here to learn more about the Community Streetscape Project Open House. You can also watch a video of the event by clicking here.
In early 2024, the project team re-engaged stakeholders to learn about preferences for urban design elements. A summary of this engagement can be found here.
Page last updated: April 23, 2025
