The Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) will be implementing safety improvements on West Grand Avenue between Mandela Parkway and Market Street. Originally approved as part of the West Oakland Specific Plan, the improvements will help address West Grand Avenue's status as part of the city's High Injury Network, meaning it has a higher rate of serious and fatal crashes compared to the rest of the City.
The paving project includes railroad track removal at Kirkham and Poplar, installation of new sidewalks, improved curb ramps and medians, and other traffic safety improvements. The traffic safety improvements include a separated and bollard-protected bikeway west of Mandela Parkway; protected bikeway intersections at Mandela Parkway, Adeline Street, and Market Street to facilitate safer turns for people riding bicycles; improved crosswalk markings throughout; and a striped, buffered bike lane between Mandela and Market Street. The project will also implement a reduction in driving lanes from 3 to 2 in each direction between Mandela and Market Street. This change may help reduce speeding and improve safety at pedestrian crossings across W. Grand Avenue.
This project is funded by Measure KK, the City’s 2016 Affordable Housing and Infrastructure Bond. Work is scheduled to begin in Fall 2023 and will be complete by Fall 2024.