State Route 4 in Contra Costa County map. Source: CCTA
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The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is developing the State Route 4 (SR-4) Corridor Vision Study in order to develop a long-term, comprehensive transportation plan for SR-4 that addresses congestion, safety, and other mobility concerns in Contra Costa County. SR-4 is the primary east-west highway in the northern portion of Contra Costa County, beginning in Hercules in the west and continuing into San Joaquin County in the east. This work is being done in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
With this new vision established, CCTA will be able to make forward-thinking investments along SR-4 and the surrounding local roads, railways, waterways, transit systems, and bike and pedestrian connections.
What is a Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (CMCP)?
This study is a crucial step in CCTA’s efforts to fund transportation infrastructure investments by meeting Senate Bill (SB) 1 Congested Corridor Program requirements for a Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (CMCP). A CMCP is developed with state, regional, and local partners and is consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan.
A CMCP aims to:
Provide holistic guidance for transportation investments.
Reduce congestion in highly traveled corridors.
Provide more transportation choices for residents, commuters, and visitors while balancing the character of the local community.
Create opportunities for neighborhood enhancement projects.
By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department
The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will install one-way traffic control on Marsh Creek Road from approximately 1.3 miles northwest of Deer Valley Road near the Clayton Palms Community to approximately 0.6 miles west beginning on Monday, August 7, 2023, through April 2024, barring unforeseen circumstances.
The traffic control will include installing a temporary traffic signal system to allow one direction of traffic at a time through the Marsh Creek Road Bridges Replacement Project work area for the public’s safety. Message boards and signage will alert drivers about the traffic control. Drivers should expect delays up to 15 minutes.
The project will replace two (2) bridges on Marsh Creek Road with two (2) new concrete bridges. Work will take place on Marsh Creek Road at Bridges 143 and 145. Bridge 143 is located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Deer Valley Road near the Clayton Palms Community. Bridge 145 is located approximately 3.0 miles east of Deer Valley Road near the road transition to Camino Diablo. Work also includes reconstruction of the bridge approach and construction of drainage facilities. The temporary traffic signal system to allow one direction of traffic will be installed at the Bridge 143 site only.
Funding for this project is provided by the federal Highway Bridge Program and local Gas Tax funds. To learn more about this project, please visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/MCR-Bridge
About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:
Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @cccpublicworks
But will discuss potentially hiring retired cops to supplement depleted force
Council will also consider adding traffic calming improvements, approving speed limits from 15 to 50 MPH on some streets
By Allen D. Payton
After issuing a Notice of Public Hearing, last Friday, announcing a discussion by the Antioch City Council of directly hiring the police chief during their meeting next Tuesday, August 8, the only police matter on the agenda is a discussion of potentially hiring retired officers to supplement the depleted force. District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica requested the agenda item at the end of the last council meeting on July 25 in response to the 16 current vacancies out of 115 sworn approved in the budget and the 35 officers on paid leave for the two investigations. The matter is listed as Item 9, the last one on the agenda. (See agenda packet)
UPDATE: Mayor Lamar Thorpe said he pulled the item since District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson will not be attending Tuesday night’s meeting. In addition, the second reading of the tenant anti-retaliation and harassment ordinance on the Consent Calendar will require District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock’s vote to continue the item or the process to pass it will be required to start over. That’s because it passed on a 3-1-1 vote with Wilson’s voting yes, Ogorchock voting no and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica, who owns a rental property management company in Antioch, recusing himself during the July 25th council meeting. He said he will have to request it be pulled from the so he can vote on the other Consent Calendar items, requiring a separate vote on the new ordinance.
Before the regular meeting which begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown, the council will meet in closed session to, among other matters, once again, conduct the performance evaluation of the city attorney.
Proposed Speed Limit Changes
The meeting’s agenda includes other public hearings such as Item 1 for adopting an Ordinance amending the Antioch Municipal Code “Special Speed Zones” in order to change the speed limit on certain streets. City staff is proposing approving the speed limits from as low as 15 MPH to as high as 50 MPH on certain streets. See list on chart, below:
No Increases to Street Light and Landscape Maintenance District Assessments
Another public hearing, listed as Item 6, will be to adopt a resolution ordering improvements and levying annual assessments for Street Light and Landscape Maintenance Districts for Fiscal Year 2023-24 with no increases from the current 2022-23 Fiscal Year
In addition, the council will consider under Item 2, approving the proposed traffic calming improvements for Sycamore Drive, James Donlon Boulevard and West 10th Street. That item was carried over from the July 25th meeting. The proposal is to spend $1.4 million but no infrastructure such as speed humps are included.
City Council meetings are televised live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream on the City’s website. In order to speak during the meeting members of the public must attend in person.
Payment plan for low-income customers, penalty waivers for all bridges, Express Lanes
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)’s Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) today launched a public information campaign to raise travelers’ awareness of two new programs available through the Bay Area FasTrak® customer service center to help people with overdue tolls, penalties and fees get out of debt.
Bay Area FasTrak® now offers a payment plan program for individuals with outstanding toll debt whose household income is no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level (about $60,000 for a family of four). The Bay Area Toll Payment Plan is open to all who have received toll violations on Bay Area bridges or express lanes. For those who qualify, violation penalties will be waived and any remaining balance of at least $100 can be paid off over time in the payment plan.
This program is intended to provide a way for people with overdue tolls, fees and penalties to get out of debt, and it is not limited to Bay Area residents.
Eligible participants may apply at the program website at bayareatollpaymentplan.org or by mailing or faxing a paper application. Both the website and the paper application are available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.
Photo: MTC.
To ensure those who are income eligible are aware of and have assistance applying for Bay Area Toll Payment Plan, BATA is conducting extensive outreach to social services and housing agencies, as well as to dozens of community-based organizations and other human services programs.
The one-time penalty waivers will be available to customers through September 2024. To obtain a waiver or to find out if you have overdue toll violations, customers must call the Bay Area FasTrak® Customer Service center at 877-BAY-TOLL (877-229-8655) and pay all outstanding tolls and any DMV fees owed. Eligible customers who choose to enter into a payment plan must make their first payment to receive the penalty waiver.
MTC is the regional transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. BATA manages the Bay Area’s FasTrak electronic toll payment system and administers all toll revenue from the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges.
Will cost $1.4 million for Sycamore Dr., James Donlon Blvd. and West 10th St.; no roundabouts or other infrastructure included
By Allen D. Payton
During their Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, the Antioch City Council will discuss approving traffic calming devices to several major roads in the city. At an estimated cost of $1,410,000, if approved, devices will be added to Sycamore Drive, James Donlon Blvd. and West 10th Street between A and L Streets. The matter is in response to requests from the public. But they will not include roundabouts as previously proposed, as there’s not enough room in the intersections and would require the purchase of private property.
The Sycamore Drive improvements requires an increase to the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Operating Budget of $425,0000 from the Gas Tax Fund.
Also, according to the City staff report, “the proposed improvements do not include any permanent infrastructure, such as concrete median islands, to provide the opportunity for all to try the improvements, first and allow flexibility for future modifications, if needed. Additionally, the proposed improvements are lower cost with shorter turnaround times, affording the City the chance to implement the improvements quicker in the near-term future.”
Examples of proposed traffic calming devices. Source: City of Antioch
In addition, the report reads, “The intersections were studied to determine whether all-way stop signs or signalization were warranted and no intersection met all the warrants.”
Nighttime construction on the Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing will occur this weekend. Photo: CCTA
Between Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road Saturday, July 8 through Sunday, July 9, 2023
For Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing construction
By Ivan Ramirez, Contra Costa Transportation Authority
BRENTWOOD, CA – In partnership with the City of Brentwood, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is constructing the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing to provide safe access to cyclists and pedestrians for commuting and recreational travel, reconnecting two sides of the trail that were separated by the expansion of State Route 4.
This overnight closure will facilitate the removing of the temporary structure that was used to support the bridge and will impact State Route 4 in the eastbound direction. CCTA and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have scheduled the closure during the early morning hours in order to minimize impacts to the motoring public.
In order to ensure crew and public safety during the planned construction work, a temporary nighttime freeway closure in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 will occur between Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9, 2023 on the following schedule (weather permitting):
Detours Detours will be in place to reroute drivers around the closure and are planned as follows:
Eastbound traffic will be directed to exit at Lone Tree Way, go eastbound to Shady Willow Lane, then southbound on Shady Willow Lane to Sand Creek Road, before proceeding westbound on Sand Creek Road to the eastbound State Route 4 on-ramp.
Future Freeway Closures
Additional overnight closures will be needed over the course of the next several weeks (weather dependent) to facilitate construction work of the future Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing. Additional information regarding dates and detours will be provided once the schedule is confirmed. This project is anticipated to be complete in late summer or early fall of 2023. About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. With a staff of twenty people managing a multi-billion-dollar suite of projects and programs, CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.
Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing April 2023 progress. Photo: CCTA
For Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing
By Linsey Willis, Director of External Affairs, CCTA
BRENTWOOD, CA – In partnership with the City of Brentwood, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is constructing the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing to provide safe access to cyclists and pedestrians for commuting and recreational travel, reconnecting two sides of the trail that were separated by the expansion of State Route 4. The overnight closure will enable the contractor to pour concrete for the superstructure as part of the construction work installing the pedestrian and bicyclist crossing over State Route 4. This closure will impact State Route 4 in both the Eastbound and Westbound directions. CCTA and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have scheduled the closure during the early morning hours in order to minimize impacts to the motoring public.
Overnight Freeway Closure of State Route 4 between Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road
In order to ensure crew and public safety during the planned construction work, a temporary nighttime freeway closure in both directions of State Route 4 will occur between Friday, May 19, 2023 and Saturday, May 20, 2023 on the following schedule (weather permitting): Eastbound and Westbound Highway 4 will be closed from 9:00pm on Friday, May 19 until 6:00am on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Detours
Detours will be in place to reroute drivers around the closure and are planned as follows:
Eastbound traffic will be directed to exit at Lone Tree Way, go eastbound to Shady Willow Lane, then southbound on Shady Willow Lane to Sand Creek Road, before proceeding westbound on Sand Creek Road to the eastbound State Route 4 on-ramp.
Westbound drivers having to detour will exit on Sand Creek Road and go eastbound on Sand Creek Road to Shady Willow Lane, then northbound on Shady Willow Lane to Lone Tree Way, and proceed westbound on Lone Tree Way to the westbound State Route 4 on-ramp.
Future Freeway Closures
Additional overnight closures will be needed over the course of the next eight weeks (weather dependent) to facilitate concrete pours for the stem and soffit and deck of the future Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing. Additional information regarding dates and detours will be provided once the schedule is confirmed. This project is anticipated to be complete in late summer or early fall of 2023.
About the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing
In partnership with the City of Brentwood, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is constructing the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing to provide safe access to cyclists and pedestrians for commuting and recreational travel, reconnecting two sides of the trail that were separated by the expansion of State Route 4.
When completed, the overcrossing will provide access to the future East County Intermodal Transit Center and BART Station in Brentwood, as well. It is part of the larger Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail which also includes the Delta de Anza Regional Trail that runs through Antioch and Oakley, that will, when completed, connect six counties across California from the East Bay to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The cost to design and build the bridge is approximately $13 million, with funding provided through Measure J taxpayer dollars, the State Route 4 Bypass Authority, and bridge toll funds.
About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. With a staff of twenty people managing a multi-billion-dollar suite of projects and programs, CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.
San Francisco—BART riders and others who have stopped using the system or reduced their use dramatically say they would return in significant numbers if crime, safety and cleanliness issues are addressed, according to new polling released today by the Bay Area Council. Concerns about crime far outweigh remote work as the reason they are not riding. The findings offer an encouraging path forward for a system that is teetering on the brink of a fiscal cliff as BART ridership hovers at historic lows following the pandemic.
A Bay Area Council analysis of the poll findings suggests that by taking a much stronger and swifter approach to crime, safety and cleanliness, BART could see up to 300,000 more trips over the course of the workweek, pushing ridership above 50% of pre-pandemic levels.
Key Findings
79% say they feel more comfortable riding BART when there is a uniformed police officer or security present
73% say BART should prioritize adding more uniformed police on trains and in stations
62% say BART should improve fare gates to prevent fare evaders; 66% want fare gates to fully enclose station entrances
79% say BART should eject people from the system that violate the passenger code of conduct, which prohibits drugs, smoking, drinking and other illegal or unacceptable behavior
65% say BART should focus on core operations and leave social service issues to other public agencies
90% put high priority on more frequent cleaning
74% feel things in the Bay Area have gotten pretty seriously off on the wrong track
Riders and residents overall are crystal clear about what the main barriers are for them to returning to BART. Among all respondents, including those that never or rarely ride BART, 78% said they would ride BART more often if it was significantly cleaner and safer. This number is particularly striking when compared to the far fewer 46% of respondents who stated they would ride BART more often if they had to commute to work or school more frequently.
There is similar enthusiasm for returning to BART among the 37% of respondents who were regular BART riders before the pandemic but have since dramatically curtailed their use of the system or dropped off completely. These riders may represent BART’s best opportunity to bring more riders back to the system more regularly, with 59% saying they would ride BART a lot more often with safety and cleanliness improvements. But they also generally harbor much stronger levels of dissatisfaction with the system than others who are not BART riders.
“There can be no higher priority for BART and the future survival of the system than to direct every ounce of energy and resources into making the system safer and cleaner,” said Jim Wunderman, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council, which was instrumental in the creation of BART in the 1950s and has long been a champion for the system. “We specifically call on BART to immediately and significantly increase police and security personnel on trains, vigorously enforce the rider code of conduct, and install new fare gates within a year. BART must treat this like a crisis, because it is a crisis. BART is the mass transit backbone of our region and there’s too much at stake for BART and our region not to be more aggressive in addressing the reasons legions of riders are staying away. BART deserves credit for recent moves to increase police presence and ramp up cleaning, but riders and others are saying they must do more and they must do it now.”
The concerns about safety and cleanliness are reflected in overall sour views of the system, with 49% giving BART an unfavorable rating compared to 30% for SF MUNI, 23% for AC Transit and 15% for Caltrain. The poll by EMC Research surveyed 1,000 residents in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco and northern San Mateo counties encompassing BART’s service area. The poll has a margin of error of +/-3.1 percentage points.
Having a more visible police presence across the system is critical to bringing riders back. A vast majority of all those surveyed say they want more police officers on trains and in stations, they want more frequent cleaning of train cars and stations, and they want BART to strictly enforce an existing code of rider conduct which outlaws gate-hopping fare cheats, drinking and smoking, drug use and other illegal and dangerous behaviors.
These attitudes shouldn’t come as a big surprise. According to the poll, 53% of residents know of someone who has been a victim of crime on BART, 46% say they have witnessed crime on BART, and 18% say they personally have been a victim on crime on BART. Meanwhile, 44% of BART riders said they have never or rarely seen a police officer.
