Today is July 6, 2026, and exciting things are happening in the Ohlone Greenway area! The Ohlone Greenway Safety Improvements Project is underway, aiming to elevate the experience for cyclists and pedestrians alike along this bustling path. Stretching from Virginia Gardens in the south to Santa Fe Avenue in the north, the project is a collaboration between various city departments and a professional engineering team from Diablo Engineering Group. This initiative is all about making the Greenway safer, especially at intersections and during nighttime strolls.
What makes this project particularly thoughtful is its focus on the environment. Careful planning means that the design minimizes impacts on existing trees. About 90 trees have been cataloged, assessed for health, and tagged with numbered metal tags. Some of these trees, unfortunately, are in bad shape and will need to be removed, but the good news is that for every tree taken down, at least one new tree will be planted. It’s a balancing act that shows a commitment to both safety and the natural beauty of the area.
Safety First
Now, let’s talk about safety improvements. The project will enhance seven key intersections: Virginia Gardens, Cedar Street, Rose Street, Hopkins Street, Peralta Avenue, Gilman Street, and Santa Fe Avenue. These upgrades include widening the path to a minimum of 12 feet wherever possible, improving signage, and even adding pedestrian lighting to brighten up those darker evening hours. It’s about making the Greenway as enjoyable as it is safe.
Incorporating feedback from the community is critical, and the project team is actively engaging with residents, local businesses, and various city departments, including the fire department and parks department. The challenge lies in addressing varying opinions within the community regarding the necessity of these improvements and their impact on the landscape. Discussions are ongoing, and it’s clear that everyone wants to see the best outcome for this cherished space.
Funding and Timeline
So, how is all of this getting funded? It’s a hefty investment, with $1.271 million coming from the Alameda County Measure F vehicle registration fee program, and an additional $3 million grant from the Safe Routes to BART program set for 2024. The project will also benefit from further funding through the Alameda CTC Measure B and Measure BB funds. This financial backing is crucial for ensuring that the project realizes its full potential!
As for the timeline, here’s the scoop: the design phase kicked off in the summer of 2022 and is expected to roll into detailed planning in the fall of 2023. Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2026 and wrap up by the winter of 2027, meaning we’ve got quite a journey ahead, but the end result promises to be worth the wait!
With a professional engineering office leading the design under the Alameda CTC Local Business Contract Equity Program, and oversight by a dedicated project manager from the city of Berkeley, the future looks bright for the Ohlone Greenway. To keep up with the latest developments, you can check out more information directly from the city of Berkeley here and for additional insights, see the details provided by Diablo Engineering Group here.