What’s going on at I-80 and Central Avenue?

In case you’ve been wondering (we have), the City of El Cerrito recently posted information on two projects currently underway for the very big, very bad intersection at Interstate 80 and Central Avenue. Whether this solves the perennial hope for bike access to the Bay Trail is open for debate.

I-80/Central Avenue undercrossing bikeway: Caltrans is partnering with the cities of Albany, El Cerrito, and Richmond, as well as the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) on upgrades to the I-80/Central Avenue undercrossing, a barrier to east-west bicycle and pedestrian travel between the San Francisco Bay Trail and destinations to the east. To improve connectivity, Caltrans is planning and designing new, separated bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways alongside Central Avenue beneath the I-80 overpass. Environmental design of the project is currently underway, with engineering design expected to begin this fall, construction in summer 2025, and completion in 2027. For more information, contact City of El Cerrito Public Works Department at (510) 215-4382.

I-80/Central Avenue interchange improvements: The City of Richmond is partnering with Caltrans, the City of El Cerrito, CCTA, and WCCTAC to address the four closely spaced signalized intersections along Central Avenue between Jacuzzi Street and Pierce Street. This intersection lacks sufficient vehicle storage capacity, resulting in heavy congestion during peak travel times, especially on weekends. To improve traffic flows, Caltrans and partners are planning and designing three key traffic-circulation changes:

1. Pierce Street/Central Avenue intersection: Prohibit left turns in all directions, remove the existing traffic signal, and install stop signs facing Pierce and San Luis Streets. Right turns to and from Pierce and San Luis Streets will be maintained.
2. San Mateo Street extension: Left turn access to Central Avenue for users of Pierce Street will be accommodated by extending San Mateo Avenue to Pierce Street.  
3. Central Avenue/San Mateo Street: Signalize and widen the intersection to provide adequate left-turn storage.

Engineering design is currently underway, with construction also expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027.

For more information, see the City of Richmond project website: https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4374/I-80-Central-Phase-II or contact City of El Cerrito Public Works Department at (510) 215-4382. — Jarrett Mullen and Janet Byron

Image above: Caltrans rendering of pedestrian and bike improvements planned for the I-80/Central Avenue interchange.