California Construction News staff writer
After more than a decade of planning and community engagement, construction started Jan. 27 on the Central Avenue Safety Improvement Project in Alameda.
This project is designed to enhance safety for all users and reduce vehicle delays. Spanning 1.7 miles, the biggest impact to the public will occur during the construction of three roundabouts, which will be completed in phases:
Phase 1 (January-June 2025): Construction of roundabouts on Central and Third and Fourth Streets.
Phase 2 (June 2025-January 2026): During this phase, construction continues on the roundabouts on Central and Third and Fourth Streets.
Phase 3 (April 2026): Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Central/Pacific/Main.
For more information visit www.alamedaca.gov/central.
Improvements included in the project:
- Two motor vehicle travel lanes and a center turn lane
- The city’s first three roundabouts, proven to reduce collisions on this high-injury corridor
- New bikeway
- Enhanced pedestrian crossings
- Bioretention units to capture and filter stormwater before it reaches the Bay
- Accessible on-street parking
- Improved bus stops
City Council approved the concept in 2021 with four roundabouts, and approved additional funding for three of the roundabouts in spring 2023. As of June 7, 2024, Caltrans authorized the city to start the construction phase with three funded roundabouts. The roundabout at Sherman/Encinal/Central is unfunded.
