Proposed Reorganization of Traffic Flow = Heavy Constrction for Oakland

Proposed Reorganization of Traffic Flow = Heavy Construction/Obstructions for Oakland

The following information was presented at a meeting of SWG (Stakeholder Working Group) on May 16, 2005. It concerns a " Design Feasibility of Option Packages" for a proposed construction project that would affect businesses and residents from West Oakland, Old Oakland, Downtown Oakland, Chinatown, Jack London District, the city of Alameda, the Port of Oakland and everyone using Hwys 880, 980, and the Alameda Tubes.

Following are three maps, and the proposed changes based on information provided by DKS Associates at the Stakeholder Working Group meeting. The maps shown here were compiled by a concerned citizen using Google map services.

Map #1 shows the existing ramps and traffic flow. The streets that have been labeled are emphasized in yellow for visual clarity.

Map #2 shows the proposed new ramps and changes in traffic flow as presented in the same meeting:

Closed Ramps and Roadways

NB I-880 off-ramp to Broadway
Close existing connection from Broadway/5th intersection to the Webster Tube

New Ramps and Improvements

NB I-880 off-ramps to 6th/Harrison
NB I-880 on-ramp from Posey Tube
NB I-980 on-ramp from 6th/Market
SB I-880 off-ramp to 5th/Martin Luther King
EB I-980 on-ramp from Washington/6th
WB I-980 off-ramp to 5th/Jefferson
Webster Ramp (from 5th into Webster tube)
Posey Ramp (from Posey tube to 5th)
Jackson Ramp weave
6th Street widening

If this entire project should go fourth, it is anticipated that the area shown in red on Map #3 illustrates the immediately affected areas:

What has not yet been considered in any depth would be indications of when construction might take place; whether construction would be staggered; or whether proposed changes are physically – much less fiscally – possible without other elaborate and costly changes to existing structures (such as existing on and off ramps, existing BART tracks, existing homes and buildings within the immediate area). At this stage, this proposal also does not it seem to consider the disruption of traffic flow during construction (snarling NB 880, SB 880, WB 980 and EB 980 and most connecting streets to the Port, Jack London Square, Chinatown, Downtown Oakland, and the city of Alameda) or the possible ill afftects that increased vehiclular traffic on 5th and 6th streets would have on the abutting communities once construction was complete. This list could easily get longer.

Your home and/or business might be greatly affected by these possible projects, and it is hoped that you have a chance to voice your views on this proposal as it moves forward.

As of September 23, 2005, the next meeting regarding this issue has been postponed, according to Deborah A. Dagang, P.E., Principal, DKS Associates "to allow more time to obtain public input on the alternatives being evaluated in the Broadway Jackson Interchange Feasibility Study."

There is a discussion forum hosted by Jack London District Association - click here - you can also send comments to: feedback@jlda.org, and to the design consultants DKS Associates care of Deborah A. Dagang at d_dagang@dksassociates.com (510) 267-6705.