The proposal is to construct a bridge that would go under the Interstate 880 freeway and over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Currently, there is no direct way to get from Lake Merritt path to the Bay Trail, but according to the city, people often illegally cross the railroad tracks anyway. The alternative for cyclists and pedestrians is to travel more than one-half mile out of the way on a route that involves going under a freeway underpass and crossing a truck route.
[jump] The $3.2 million grant is part of the transportation commission’s larger investment in non-motorized transit projects; the agency awarded a total of $30 million to nine projects in the Bay Area.
Here’s a map from the city of the Oakland project area:
And another map from presentations earlier this year about the site:
Here are some photos of the current conditions at the project area.
Mayor Jean Quan said in a statement announcing the grant: “Oakland’s reputation as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the nation continues to grow and I am delighted that this funding will help us build on both our cycling infrastructure and the great beauty of Lake Merritt.”
The good news for cycling infrastructure comes as bike advocates and city officials continue to debate proposed bike lanes for Telegraph Avenue.
For more on the Lake Merritt to Bay Trail project, visit lm2bt.com.
