The California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved US$175 million in funding for the 7th Street Grade Separation East Project. The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) partnered with the CTC and the city and Port of Oakland to advance this high-priority goods movement project into construction.
The purpose of this project is to realign and reconstruct a primary trucking and access gateway into the Port of Oakland.
Port of Oakland official believes the reconstructed access into the seaport is expected to relieve truck and vehicle congestion, increase safety and provide flexibility for seaport cargo operations. The project includes a shared bicycle/pedestrian pathway for public access to the Middle Harbor Shoreline Park and will increase efficiency, foster sustainability and support the entire Northern California economy.
“We would like to thank the state for approving US$175 million to advance the 7th Street Grade Separation East Project. The project will improve port operations and safety, and also provides a new high-quality bicycle and pedestrian pathway connecting the community to the waterfront and recreational facilities. The project includes greening requested by the West Oakland community to reduce impacts of goods movement and improve public health,” stated Alameda CTC chair John J. Bauters.
“The modernization of this gateway into the maritime area will enhance the flow of traffic in and out of the port, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by curtailing the time trucks spend here, which is important for public health,” said Port of Oakland executive director Danny Wan.
The Alameda County Transportation Commission is expected to manage the project with financial and engineering support from the Port of Oakland. Other project partners include the Federal Highway Administration, the California Transportation Commission, the California Department of Transportation, Union Pacific Railroad, BART, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the City of Oakland and several utility agencies.
The CTC’s approval of the US$175 million in state funding from the Senate Bill 1 Trade Corridors Enhancement Program will allow the 7th Street Grade Separation East project to go into construction in 2023.