State says ‘yes’ to $175 million to upgrade Oakland Seaport gateway

December 8, 2022

Oakland, Calif. – December 8, 2022: The California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved $175 million in funding today for the 7^th Street Grade Separation East Project (Project). The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) partnered with the CTC and the City and Port of Oakland to advance this high-priority goods movement project into construction. The Project will realign and reconstruct a primary trucking and access gateway into the Port of Oakland. The reconstructed access into the Oakland Seaport will relieve truck and vehicle congestion, increase safety and provide flexibility for seaport cargo operations. The Project includes a shared bicycle/pedestrian pathway for public access to the Middle Harbor Shoreline Park and will increase efficiency, foster sustainability and support the entire Northern California economy.

“We would like to thank the state for approving $175 million to advance the 7^thStreet Grade Separation East Project. The project will improve port operations and safety, and also provides a new high-quality bicycle and pedestrian pathway connecting the community to the waterfront and recreational facilities. The project includes greening requested by the West Oakland community to reduce impacts of goods movement and improve public health,” stated Alameda CTC Chair John J. Bauters.

“Today’s action by the CTC allows us to move this critical project into construction in 2023 and is a great example of partnership to leverage local, regional and state funding to deliver transportation improvements that benefit not only the residents of Alameda County, but the entire Northern California mega-region,” stated Alameda CTC Executive Director Tess Lengyel.

“We are grateful to the CTC for approving the funding of the 7^th Street corridor project; it is a critical access artery for the Port of Oakland and essential to efficient and safe goods movement,” said the President of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners, Barbara Leslie.

Rendering of 7th Street grade separation project improvements

“The modernization of this gateway into the maritime area will enhance the flow of traffic in and out of the port, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by curtailing the time trucks spend here, which is important for public health,” stated Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. “As we build for the next generation, improving infrastructure around the port supports safer transportation, improved operations, jobs and positive economic impact.”

The Alameda County Transportation Commission will manage the project with financial and engineering support from the Port of Oakland. Other project partners include the Federal Highway Administration, the California Transportation Commission, the California Department of Transportation, Union Pacific Railroad, BART, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the City of Oakland and several utility agencies.

The CTC’s approval today of the $175 million in state funding from the Senate Bill 1 Trade Corridors Enhancement Program will allow the 7^th Street Grade Separation East Project to go to construction in 2023. Additional information about the project can be found here: https://www.alamedactc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1442001_7SGSE_FS_20221027.pdf

Background:

Project need:
– Support regional economic development and Port growth potential;
– Minimize likelihood of freight infrastructure failure;
– Provide access and infrastructure improvements for effective multimodal transportation for rail, trucks, automobiles, bicyclists and pedestrians; and
– Support safe transportation system operations.

Project benefits:

– Improves safety, efficiency and reliability of truck and rail access to the Oakland Seaport;
– Reduces congestion and improves mobility;
– Reduces emissions and greenhouse gases;
– Provides bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to the Bay Trail system; and
– Increases job opportunities.

About Alameda CTC
The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) coordinates countywide transportation planning and delivers essential, voter-supported transportation improvements in every city throughout Alameda County. Funding sources for Alameda CTC’s expenditure plans include Measure B, approved by 81.5 percent of County voters in 2000, and Measure BB, approved by more than 70 percent of voters in 2014. Visit Alameda CTC’s website to learn more, and follow Alameda CTC on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland Seaport, Oakland International Airport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. The Port’s 5-year strategic plan – Growth with Care – pairs business expansion with community benefits, envisioning more jobs and economic stimulus as the Port grows. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 84,000 jobs. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.