14th Street safety project to transform Oakland’s downtown core

California Construction News staff writer

Construction has started on a $20.9 million traffic safety improvements on Oakland’s 14th Street.

The 14th Street Safety – Safe Routes in the City project includes improved pedestrian crossings, sidewalk improvements, separated bike lanes, landscaping, enhanced bus boarding islands and shelters, protected intersections, traffic signal and street lighting upgrades, community-led public art installations, a comprehensive and parking management plan from Brush Street to Lakeside Drive/Oak Street.

Construction of the project is expected to be completed by Fall 2025. To learn more about the 14th Street Safe Routes in the City Project and sign up for project construction updates, visit https://www.oaklandca.gov/projects/14th-street.

“Today we are delivering on our promise to Oaklanders for safer, calmer streets,” said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “The transformation of 14th Street through the heart of Downtown Oakland will not only improve safety but also create an inviting atmosphere to visit our local shops, restaurants, and other businesses.”

Between 2019 and 2023, OakDOT worked with residents, small businesses, and other stakeholders to complete the project design and implementation plan.

City council approved the final design in June 2022 and set aside funding from the City’s Public Art Program to install community-led public art on the corridor, and a comprehensive parking management plan.

The entire project is funded in partnership with the Alameda County Transportation Commission, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, California Transportation Commission, California Strategic Growth Council, and by the 2016 Oakland Infrastructure Bond Measure KK.

“I am excited that the upgrades to 14th Street will help better connect the West Oakland residents I represent to Downtown and Lake Merritt,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “This project will deliver pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities that reflect current complete streets design best practices, as well as a comprehensive plan to support our local business owners and employees who may still need to drive in the area.”