Pt. Richmond bike/pedestrian improvements underway; expected completion in May
March 23, 2015 by Mike Aldax
A project in Point Richmond to construct bike lanes, wider sidewalks and landscaping improvements is underway and expected to be completed in May, according to city officials.
The project, a segment of the 500-mile San Francisco Bay Trail, faced delays after crews encountered groundwater issues, project manager Michael Williams said. Those issues were solved last month, and construction is in full-swing.
The project will widen the sidewalk along the Richmond Plunge between E. Richmond Avenue and the Ferry Point tunnel to provide an off-road Class 1 trail for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Curb extensions will be added to boost pedestrian safety by shortening the length of the crosswalk. As a part of the roadway improvements, there will be modifications to lane widths and striping, but parking is largely expected to remain the same. New trees, shrubs, miscellaneous planting, an irrigation system, and signs offering directions are included in the plans.
Richmond-based W.R. Forde Associates was awarded a $369,000 contract from City Council in October to enhance the .16-mile gap in the Bay Trail. The funds came from a variety of sources including the Association of Bay Area Governments Bay Trail Project, Point Richmond Gateway Foundation and the Trails for Richmond Action Committee. Nearly $82,00 from funds left over from the Cosco Busan oil spill settlement is helping to pay for the project, along with about $40,000 in California Coastal Conservancy grant funds.