West Contra Costa Transportation Commission
Richmond Parkway Transit Plan
The final plan for transit on the Richmond Parkway corridor: what was studied, what people said, the concept that came out of it and what it would cost.
Plan · Final · 2025 · 63 figures · about 69 min to read
The final plan for transit on the Richmond Parkway corridor: what was studied, what people said, the concept that came out of it and what it would cost.
Current — In force. This is the version to rely on. The adopted final version.
RICHMOND
PARKWAY
Transportation Plan
ADOPTED PLAN
FEBRUARY 2025
Study funded by Caltrans Sustainable Communities Grant
| West Contra Costa Transportation Commission (WCCTC) | Project Team | Technical Advisory Committee |
|---|---|---|
| Fehr & Peers City of Richmond* Caltrans Karina Schneider, AICP Daniel Chavarria Issa Ibrahimi |
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN City of Richmond* Daniel Chavarria Robert Armijo Hillal Hamdan Lina Velasco Hector Rojas, Former Denee Evans, Former Contra Costa County* Emily Warming, Public Health Daniel Barrios, Conservation and Development Adam Scarbrough, Conservation and Development Jamar Stamps, Transportation Planning Samantha Harris, Transportation Planning Sonia Bustamante, Supervisor Gioia's Office Tania Pulido, Supervisor Gioia's Office Contra Costa Transportation Authority Matt Kelly Stephanie Hu Hisham Noeimi Metropolitan Transportation Commission Lee Huo Michelle Go Dee Dohm Caltrans Issa Ibrahimi Becky Frank Bay Area Air Quality Management District Samuel De Perio Garcia East Bay Regional Parks District Sean Dougan West County Wastewater District Joseph Neugebauer City of San Pablo Allan Panganiban City of Pinole Faby Guillen Kapil Amin Sanjay Mishra, Former Misha Kaur, Former AC Transit Jim Cunradi Michael Eshleman WestCAT Robert Thompson Finn Wurtz BART Rachel Factor
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Study funded by Caltrans Sustainable Communities Grant #74A1366 WCCTC Staff Leah Greenblat John Nemeth Coire Reilly WCCTC Board Rita Xavier, Chair Anthony Tave, Vice Chair Chris Kelley Eduardo Martinez Paul Fadelli Jovanka Beckles Rebecca Saltzman Tom Hansen John Gioia Soheila Bana, Alternate Doria Robinson, Alternate Claudia Jimenez, Alternate Chris Peeples, Alternate Cesar Zepeda, Former Fehr & Peers Karina Schneider, AICP Carrie Modi, AICP Amy Deng Gaby Picado-Aguilar Minnie Chen Angie Chen ESA Beverly Choi Shannon Wages Stephanie Cadena NCE Ryan Shafer, PE, GE Myles Goins, PE
- Project Partners
Public Advisory Group Port of Richmond Lucy Zhou Lizeht Zepeda Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council Arto Rintella Trails for Richmond Action Committee Bruce Beyaert Urban Tilth Latifah Abdullah Watershed Project Juliana Gonzalez Naama Raz-Yaseef Groundwork Richmond Salma Berumen Sarah Calderon Bike East Bay Robert Prinz Dani Lanis North Richmond Municipal Advisory Council Don Gilmore Community Housing Development Corporation Darrell Davis Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program Emily Seelenfreund California Trucking Association Bernice Creager
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Click on a chapter to navigate to its corresponding page. Appendix D: Separated Bikeway 35% Design Concept and Cost | 3
FIGURES
TABLES
Table 1: Table 2: Table 3: Table 4: Table 5: 4 |
CHAPTER
Introduction
Intersection with wide turn radius at Richmond Parkway and Lakeside Drive.
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
ABOUT THIS PLAN
The focus of the plan is a set of targeted strategies for WCCTC and partner agencies to advance in the next 10 years. The strategies were developed in close collaboration with project partners, technical advisors, and members of the public and are responsive to both the Plan-identified transportation needs (summarized in Chapter 2) and feedback received via public engagement (summarized in Chapter 3). The strategies (summarized in Chapter 4) are projects, programs, and policies that collectively aim to address the following six goals of the Plan:
IMPROVE SAFETY FOR ALL USERS ADVANCE PLACEMAKING INCREASE ACCESS TO KEY DESTINATIONS ENHANCE TRAVEL TIME RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY IMPROVE HEALTH SUPPORT FEASIBLE STRATEGIES
Plan Goals
THE RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN (“PLAN”) DEVELOPS A STRATEGIC VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THIS MAJOR MULTI- JURISDICTIONAL ROADWAY BETWEEN I-580 AND I-80, EXTENDING TO FITZGERALD AVENUE.
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| Mar | Jun | Sept | Dec | Mar | Jun | Sep | Dec | ||
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| Plan Adoption by WCCTC and Project Partners |
Figure 1: Plan Timeline Mar Jun Sept Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Feb Of the full list of strategies, ten are considered priority strategies for WCCTC and partner agencies to implement. These priority strategies best align with the Plan goals and reflect engagement participant preferences. The priority strategies are described in Chapter 5, including the lead implementation agency, goals alignment, benefits, and graphics of the top strategies. Chapter 6 introduces the implementation time frame and funding sources for the priority strategies.
Figure 1 shows the project timeline, which spanned nearly two years between March 2023 and January 2025. Photo: Bicyclists crossing the wide intersection at Richmond Parkway and W Ohio Avenue.
History of Richmond Parkway The Richmond Parkway was completed in the 1990s to serve as a regional arterial route. However, the facility has not been adopted into the State Highway System. Based on a study completed by CCTA in 2008, it would cost between $140M and $400M (2024$) to upgrade the corridor to Caltrans standards and transfer ownership to the state.
Introduction | 7
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
THE STUDY AREA
Richmond Parkway is a major road linking I-80 and I-580 and a primary route connecting to the the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The Parkway is located in both the City of Richmond and unincorporated Contra Costa County (North Richmond), as shown in Figure 2. Combined with Castro Street, a parallel roadway at the southern end of the corridor, the study corridor is approximately nine miles in length. At the northeastern end in the City of Pinole, Richmond Parkway becomes Fitzgerald Avenue.
It serves many functions of regional and local importance: a goods movement (truck and rail) corridor connecting to the Port of Richmond and local industrial uses, a regional commuter corridor, a critical segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail—a 500-mile long regional walking and biking path network looping around San Francisco Bay—and a connector to the Richmond Parkway Transit Center served by AC Transit and WestCAT.
Richmond Parkway intersects Wildcat Creek and is adjacent to several nearby schools and parks, including Point Pinole Regional Park. As shown in Figure 3, industrial land uses line most of the corridor, particularly along Castro Street and along the Parkway in North Richmond.
The Parkway also serves residential areas in Atchison Village, Iron Triangle, North Richmond, and nearby Hilltop. As new industrial and residential growth continues along the Parkway, this Plan presents an opportunity to design for better corridor access and mobility before existing challenges are exacerbated.
Richmond Parkway and Castro Street travel through the City of Richmond and unincorporated Contra Costa County for A third of the corridor is adjacent to the Bay Trail.
9 MILES
9 MILES.
Figure 2: Jurisdictions in Study Area
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Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg. Shoreline San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West M acdonald Av Rob ert M iller Dr H arbour Wy M acdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St H illtop Dr M cBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Giant H w Parr Bl Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av Goodrick Av Pittsburg Av Rich m on d H igh Sch ool Peres Elem en tary Bayview Elem en tary Lake Elem en tary Con tra Costa College Verde Elem en tary RI CH M ON D RI CH M ON D SAN PABLO N ORTH RI CH M ON D 7th St Fred Jackson Wy H ensley St 6th St Richmond Pkwy Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & !"
San Pablo Bay Atch ison Village Beldin g/ Woods Fairm ede/ H illtop H illtop District H illtop Village I ron Trian gle Parch ester Village Rich m ore Village/ M etro Squ are San ta Fe Sh ields-Reid Coron ado Stu dy Corridor Stu dy Area Bay Trail I n du strial Lan d U se Railroad Rich m on d Parkway Tran sit Cen ter Sch ools .5 M iles H I LLTOP M ALL Wildcat Creek Figure 3: Map of Study Corridor Source: Fehr & Peers (2023).
Introduction | 9
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- Community engagement at the North
Richmond Earth Day Festival.
- Cars traveling along the Parkway at
RIchmond Parkway and San Pablo Ave.
- Community engagement at the North
Richmond Flea Market. 10 | Introduction
CHAPTER
Existing Conditions
Signage along the Bay Trail at Richmond Parkway and Gertrude Avenue.
| ed English proficiency, and nearly Priority Communities, USDOT Historically are below the federal poverty level Disadvantaged Communities, and USDOT Census, ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2019). Areas of Persistent Poverty (Figure 5). Chapter 3 presents outreach methods all, these groups have less access for engaging historically marginalized portunities and are at greater populations during the planning process. of displacement (ESA, 2023; Urban re 4: Corridor Population Characteristics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| nd | U | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 63%64% | Study C | orri | dor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| City of | Rich | mon | d | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 35% 29% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21% | 22% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4% 3% 3% |
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
CORRIDOR COMMUNITIES
Compared to the Contra Costa County population as a whole, residents living in the study area tend to have higher rates of unemployment and lower education attainment, as seen in Figure 4. The majority of residents living near the corridor are Hispanic/Latino, 16% have limited English proficiency, and nearly 38% are below the federal poverty level (US Census, ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2019).
Displacement Project, 2015). Given that people living near the study corridor reflect demographics of historically underserved populations, most census tracts within the study area fall within regionally or federally-defined equity priority areas, including MTC Equity Priority Communities, USDOT Historically Disadvantaged Communities, and USDOT Areas of Persistent Poverty (Figure 5).
Chapter 3 presents outreach methods for engaging historically marginalized populations during the planning process. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% People of Color Low Income / Poverty Unemployed Less than High School Education This chapter introduces how Richmond Parkway is used today and the wide range of existing challenges for all types of users. On average, 25,000 vehicles use the Parkway every day to reach local destinations, including as a connection between I-580 and I-80 and to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Residents living near the corridor are largely Hispanic/Latino with lower incomes and are exposed to the large volumes of traffic, vehicle emissions, pollution, and noise.
Despite the availability of the Bay Trail, many sections can feel uncomfortable for pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly when crossing the Parkway.
Speeding is a major concern and is the most common collision factor.
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Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg. Shoreline San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West M acdonald Av Robert M iller Dr H arbour Wy M acdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St H illtop Dr M cBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Giant H w Parr Bl Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av Goodrick Av Pittsburg Av RI CH M ON D RI CH M ON D SAN PABLO N ORTH RI CH M ON D Richmond Pkwy Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & !"
San Pablo Bay Atch ison Village Beldin g/ Woods Fairm ede/ H illtop H illtop District H illtop Village I ron Trian gle Parch ester Village Rich m ore Village/ M etro Squ are San ta Fe Sh ields-Reid Coron ado Stu dy Corridor Equ ity Priority Com m u n ities H istorically Disadvan taged Com m u n ity Area of Persisten t Poverty Stu dy Cen su s Tracts .5 M iles H I LLTOP M ALL Figure 5: Map of Equity Priority Areas in Study Area Source: Fehr & Peers (2023); MTC (2018), USDOT (2021).
Existing Conditions | 13
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
SAFETY FOR ALL ROAD USERS
From 2011 to 2020, there were 322 traffic collisions on the corridor that resulted in injury, including 46 Killed and Severe Injury (KSI) collisions. Of these KSI collisions, 21 resulted in a severe injury and 25 resulted in a fatality (Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), 2011-2020). This is an average of 4-5 KSI collisions per year, and collisions are increasing—between 2011 and 2017, there was an average of 3 KSI collisions per year, however, the average jumped to 9 between 2018 and 2020 (Figure 6).
There were increases in KSI collisions involving unsafe speeds, traffic signal and sign violations, driving under the influence, and driver violations of the pedestrian right-of-way. Concentrations of collisions occur in areas along the corridor that have higher intersection density, near railroad crossings, and at major arterials where there is more interaction between vehicles and Bay Trail users. Considering these locations for redesign can reduce collisions and are considered in Strategies (Chapter 4).
Collisions on the Parkway
Figure 6: KSI Collisions by Year, 2011-2020 Photo: Students crossing the Richmond Parkway and Lakeside Drive intersection next to Make Waves Academy.
Source: TIMS, 2011 – 2020 Annual KSI collisions
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Unsafe Speeds
Unsafe speed is the most common primary collision factor making up 45% of all injury collisions and 28% of KSI collisions. The next most common factors in KSI collisions are failure to obey traffic signals and signs (15%) and driver violations of the pedestrian right-of-way (15%).
Although the posted speed limit on the Parkway is typically 45 miles per hour (mph), most of the corridor sees off-peak 85th percentile speeds over 50 miles per hour as shown in Figure 7 (Wejo, 2019).
The maximum observed speeds during this period rise to nearly 100 mph along the elevated segment of the Parkway between North Richmond and Hilltop.
Bicyclists and Pedestrians
KSI collision locations are shown in Figure 8. Although bicycle and pedestrian collisions represent only 6% of all injury collisions, they make up 20% of all KSI collisions and 24% of fatal collisions, highlighting the safety disparity for more vulnerable bicyclists and pedestrians along the corridor. Studies show that for vulnerable users, collisions have a higher likelihood of serious injury or death, particularly at high speeds.
Photo: Vehicles on Richmond Parkway crossing San Pablo Avenue. of collisions on the Parkway are caused by unsafe speed. of fatal collisions on the Parkway involved a bicyclist or a pedestrian compared to only 6% of all injury collisions.
45% 45% 24% 24%
Nighttime Collisions
While only 32% of all injury collisions occurred at night, 52% of all KSI collisions and 75% of pedestrian KSI collisions occurred in dark conditions. Although existing street lights were reported at most of these KSI collision locations, reducing unsafe speeds and improving pedestrian- scale lighting and crosswalk striping could address these types of collisions.
Existing Conditions | 15
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg. Shoreline San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West M acdonald Av Robert M iller Dr H arbour Wy M acdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St H illtop Dr M cBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Giant H w Parr Bl Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av Goodrick Av Pittsburg Av Rich m on d H igh Sch ool Peres Elem en tary Bayview Elem en tary Lake Elem en tary Con tra Costa College Verde Elem en tary RI CH M ON D RI CH M ON D SAN PABLO N ORTH RI CH M ON D Richmond Pkwy Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & !"
San Pablo Bay Atch ison Village Beldin g/ Woods Fairm ede/ H illtop H illtop District H illtop Village I ron Trian gle Parch ester Village Rich m ore Village/ M etro Squ are San ta Fe Sh ields-Reid Coron ado Weekday N igh t Off-Peak 85th Percen tile Observed Speed 30-40 m ph 40-50 m ph 50-60 m ph 60-70 m ph .5 M iles H I LLTOP M ALL Figure 7: Map of 85th Percentile 7PM-6AM Weekday Speeds Source: Wejo (2019).
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Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg. Shoreline San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West M acdonald Av Robert M iller Dr H arbour Wy M acdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St H illtop Dr M cBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Giant H w Parr Bl Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av Goodrick Av Pittsburg Av Rich m on d H igh Sch ool Peres Elem en tary Bayview Elem en tary Lake Elem en tary Con tra Costa College Verde Elem en tary RI CH M ON D RI CH M ON D SAN PABLO N ORTH RI CH M ON D Castro St R h o n P k w y % & !"
San Pablo Bay .5 M iles H I LLTOP M ALL Sch ools Railroad Bay Trail Stu dy Corridor Severe I n ju ry Collision Fatal Collision Collision Type an d Severity Collision I n volvin g a Bicyclist or Pedestrian Figure 8: Map of KSI Collisions Source: TIMS (2011 – 2020).
Existing Conditions | 17
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| #$%&()(( |
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Contra Costa Countywide Transportation Safety Policy and Implementation Guide (2021), Contra Costa County Vision Zero (2022), and City of Richmond Local Roadway Safety Plan (2022) have all identified Richmond Parkway as a corridor on the High- Injury Network (HIN).
This means that Richmond Parkway sees higher concentrations of KSI collisions as compared to other areas of Richmond and Contra Costa County.
However, Castro Street is not included on the HIN. Figure 9 maps the HIN of each agency. % % !#$%&#'
Previous Safety
Studies
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Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg. Shoreline San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West M acdonald Av Robert M iller Dr H arbour Wy M acdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St H illtop Dr M cBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Giant H w Parr Bl Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av Goodrick Av Pittsburg Av Rich m on d H igh Sch ool Peres Elem en tary Bayview Elem en tary Lake Elem en tary Con tra Costa College Verde Elem en tary RI CH M ON D RI CH M ON D SAN PABLO N ORTH RI CH M ON D Richmond Pkwy Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & !"
San Pablo Bay CCTA All M odes H I N Con tra Costa Cou n ty All M odes H I N Rich m on d All M odes H I N Stu dy Corridor City of Rich m on d Sch ools Railroad .5 M iles H I LLTOP M ALL Figure 9: Map of High Injury Networks Source: Contra Costa Transportation Authority (2021); Contra Costa County (2022);
City of Richmond (2022). 26th St Rheem Ave Lincoln Ave Existing Conditions | 19
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
BIKING AND WALKING
The Bay Trail is a critical regional path that generally traverses the Parkway’s west side from the southern end to Goodrick Avenue in North Richmond. The Bay Trail is on the east side of the corridor between Hensley Street and Gertrude Avenue, and the City of Richmond has proposed to realign this section to the west side for better connectivity. While the Bay Trail connects users to destinations like Point Pinole, Point Richmond, and beyond, there are few crossing locations and they lack basic safety enhancements. Many parts of the Bay Trail along the study corridor are in need of repair, with cracked and uneven pavement and overgrown landscaping. Regular maintenance to remove trash and vegetative overgrowth to improve user experience is needed.
The Bay Trail also has limited lighting, wayfinding signage, and shade, and a narrow or nonexistent buffer from fast- moving traffic on the Parkway. The Bay Trail also connects to Wildcat Creek Trail, which crosses beneath the Parkway and floods several times throughout the year.
The Bay Trail
Limited shade in ho
mall buffer between sidewalk and fast traffic Trail gaps force people onto high-stress routes like Hensley Street Inconsistent buffer between bike trail and
Biking and Walking Experience along the Parkway
Poor pavement quality, gaps, proximity to fast-moving traffic, long infrequent pedestrian crossings, and lack of shade, lighting, signage, and vegetation buffers make Richmond Parkway unwelcoming to walk or bike on today. There is a range of opportunities to improve the comfort of people using the Bay Trail, bikeways, sidewalks, and crossings.
Poor Bay Trail pavement quality Limited shade in hot conditions Lack of trail lighting No signage indicating shared-use path Inconsistent buffer between bike trail and roadway Trail gaps force people onto high-stress routes like Hensley Street Missing sidewalks near more active land uses Small buffer between sidewalk and fast traffic
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Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg. Shoreline Richmond High School Peres Elementary Bayview Elementary Lake Elementary Contra Costa College Verde Elementary San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West Macdonald Av Robert Mille r Dr Harbour Wy Macdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St Hilltop Dr McBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Giant Hw Parr Bl Rd 20 Rd 20 Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av A k cir o o G Pittsburg Av 6th St Fred Jackson Wy Market Av 11t h S t Broadway Av Atlas Rd Blume Dr H t o p a Rd Shane Dr Garvin Av Lincoln Av La k e s ide Dr RICHMOND RICHMOND SAN PABLO NORTH RICHMOND Richmond Pkwy Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & !"
!" Hensley St San Pablo Bay HILLTOP MALL Study Corridor Railroad Railyard Schools Existing/Proposed Bicycle Facilities Shared-Use Path Separated Bike Lane Bicycle Lane Bicycle Route or Boulevard Bay Trail .5 Miles Figure 10: Map of Existing and Proposed Bikeways Source: Fehr & Peers (2023); Richmond BPAP (2023); Contra Costa County ATP (2022); CCTA Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (2018) Existing Conditions | 21
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3 3 miles of new bikeways are needed. 67% 67% of intersections along the Parkway are missing pedestrian countdown signals.
ADA non-compliant ramps Corner sight distance issues Faded markings High vehicle turn speeds the corridor, there are 2.6 miles of sidewalk gaps on the west side of the corridor and 3.4 miles on the east side.
Safety at Intersections
Most intersections are large in size with curb radii that enable turns at high speeds and make for long pedestrian and bicycle crossing distances.
About 70% of the signalized intersections do not have bicycle detection and 65% are missing pedestrian countdown timers, leaving pedestrians unsure of how much time is left to safely cross the street.
Both bicycle detection and pedestrian countdown timers are state requirements per the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
These gaps in pedestrian and bikeway infrastructure along the corridor are critical to address given safety and speeding concerns along the corridor.
Closing the Gaps
There are also several gaps in the bikeway and walkway infrastructure on the corridor. Figure 10 (previous page) identifies the existing and proposed bikeways. There are currently about three miles of bikeway gaps along the Parkway where there are no plans for the Bay Trail and no bicycle facilities exist. Though there are no active fronting land uses consistently across
Example Safety Improvement Needs
Bent crosswalks Outdated push buttons
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DRIVING AND GOODS MOVEMENT
Richmond Parkway is a major road linking I-80 and I-580 and serves industrial truck traffic, regional commuters, and local trips. The Parkway carries between 19,000 and 37,000 vehicles every weekday, 7% of which are trucks. Truck volumes are highest along the southern section of Richmond Parkway and Castro Street, ranging between 5%-13% of total daily vehicle volumes. Truck volumes on San Pablo Avenue in Contra Costa County, a comparable arterial, range only between 2%-3% of total daily volumes (Caltrans, 2022). Many of these vehicle and truck trips serve regional destinations along the corridor, such as the Contra Costa Landfill, UPS and Amazon distribution centers, Whole Foods Market Food Distribution Center, and the Chevron Refinery.
Speeds and Signals
Along most of the corridor, signals are not coordinated. This negatively impacts air quality and does not optimize vehicle flow. Slowdowns are worst in the northbound direction in the afternoon commute period with average speeds around 30 mph as shown in Figure 11 (Wejo, 2019). The slowest segment is north of the Castro Street and Richmond Parkway merge where speeds are less than 25 mph for nearly a mile. To keep traffic moving, green times along the Parkway can be 30 seconds longer compared to other signals in Richmond, which results in more delay for all users entering or crossing the Parkway. Travel times are expected to double in the future, given planned and anticipated growth along the corridor. On average, traffic volumes are expected to grow about 50%-60% by 2040.
Photo: Congestion causing queue spillover at San Pablo Avenue and and Richmond Parkway. Up to vehicles take the Parkway on weekdays. of vehicles are trucks.
37,000 37,000 7% 7% Existing Conditions | 23
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Figure 11: Map of Slowdowns During 7-9AM and 4-6PM Peak Periods Source: Wejo (2019). PM Peak Period Fitzg San Pablo Av PI N OLE RI CH M ON D Richmond Pkwy H I LLTOP M ALL Rumr West M acdonald Av H arbour Wy West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Parr Bl Gertrude Av Goodrick Av Pittsburg Av Peres Elem en tary B El Lake Elem en tar Verde Elem en tary RI CH M ON D N ORTH RI CH M ON D Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & AM Peak Period Fitzg San Pablo Av PI N OLE RI CH M ON D Richmond Pkwy H I LLTOP M ALL Rumri West M acdonald Av H arbour Wy West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av 23 d Parr Bl Gertrude Av Goodrick Av Pittsburg Av Peres Elem en tary B Ele Lake Elem en tary Verde Elem en tary RI CH M ON D N ORTH RI CH M ON D Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & North Segment Central/South Segment AM Peak Period PM Peak Period PM Peak Period Average Speeds ≤25 m ph 26-35 m ph 36-45 m ph >45 m ph
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Photo: Truck turning close to the sidewalk at Atlas Road and Richmond Parkway.
Travel Patterns
Drivers typically use the Parkway for trips that start or end in the study area rather than as a freeway-to-freeway connector. In the afternoon peak period, less than a third of northbound car drivers travel from the I-580 interchange and get onto I-80 (Streetlight, 2022). This pattern is similar for daily truck trips.
Over 60% of trucks getting onto the Parkway from I-80 or I-580 travel to destinations along the corridor. These destinations are often sources of regional economic activity and services, and include the aforementioned distribution centers, landfill and recycling yards, Over of northbound trucks turn off the Parkway into North Richmond, most of which use Hensley Street.
50% 50% hazardous waste disposal plants, water reclaim plants, and more. For northbound trucks that stop along the corridor, the most popular destinations are in North Richmond via Parr Boulevard, Pittsburg Avenue, and Hensley Street, as shown in Figure 12. Southbound truck trips are more dispersed, with 21% continuing on to the Port of Richmond as shown in Figure 13.
Existing Conditions | 25
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West Macdonald Av Robert Mille r Dr Harbour Wy Macdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St Hilltop Dr McBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Parr Bl Rd 20 Rd 20 Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av A k cir o o G Pittsburg Av 7th St 6th St Market Av Broadway Av Atlas Rd Blume Dr H t o p a Rd Shane Dr Garvin Av Lincoln Av Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg.
Shoreline .5 Miles 33% 6% 2% 10% 9% 5% 29% 2% Screenline Departures/ Destinations Industrial Land Use Truck Route RICHMOND RICHMOND SAN PABLO NORTH RICHMOND Atchison Village Belding/ Woods Fairmede/ Hilltop Hilltop District Hilltop Village Iron Triangle Parchester Village Richmore Village/ Metro Square Santa Fe Shields-Reid Coronado Richmond Pkwy Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & !"
!" San Pablo Bay HILLTOP MALL Hensley St Figure 12: Map of Northbound Daily Truck Distribution Source: Streetlight (2022).
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San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West Macdonald Av Robert Mille r Dr Harbour Wy Macdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St Hilltop Dr McBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Giant Hw Parr Bl Rd 20 Rd 20 Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av A k cir o o G Pittsburg Av 7th St 6th St Fred Jackson Wy Market Av 11t h S t Broadway Av Atlas Rd Blume Dr H t o p a Rd Shane Dr Garvin Av Lincoln Av La k e s ide Dr Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg.
Shoreline .5 Miles 2% Atchison Village Belding/ Woods Fairmede/ Hilltop Hilltop District Hilltop Village Iron Triangle Parchester Village Richmore Village/ Metro Square Santa Fe Shields-Reid Coronado 5% 8% 6% 35% 23% 3% 5% 2% 2% 7% <1% I-580 8% WB I-580 5% EB I-580 21% Port Screenline Departures/ Destinations Industrial Land Use Truck Route RICHMOND RICHMOND SAN PABLO NORTH RICHMOND Richmond Pkwy Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & !"
!" Hensley St San Pablo Bay HILLTOP MALL Figure 13: Map of Southbound Daily Truck Distribution Source: Streetlight (2022). Existing Conditions | 27
Original PDF, page 28
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Photo: Busy I-580 on- ramp at Castro St.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Climate
Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the primary cause of global warming. This change in the earth’s climate systems will increase the severity, frequency, and duration of climate hazards, including extreme heat, wildfire, drought, and sea level rise.
Forecasts anticipate up to 12 inches of sea level rise by 2050, and 36 inches by 2100, directly affecting the area west of the corridor (Adapting to Rising Tides, Bay Area Sea Level Rise Analysis and Mapping Project, 2017). This would increase flood risk, affecting roadways, property, utilities and critical infrastructure, emergency services, and evacuations.
Vulnerable populations and neighborhoods subject to GHG emissions will be disproportionately affected by climate change, including people of color, children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and households without access to a vehicle (Contra Costa County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2018; Fehr and Peers, 2023;
ESA, 2023). The burden of pollution can be visualized through the CalEnviroScreen tool, as shown in Figure 14. Some census tracts adjacent to Richmond Parkway have diesel particulate matter concentrations higher than of all census tracts in California.
78% 78% Local and regional sources of pollution, noise, and increasing threat from climate change hazards affect public health and environmental quality for communities along the corridor.
Pollution
Diesel particulate matter (diesel PM), is a carcinogenic air contaminant produced by the exhaust of trucks, trains, ships, and equipment with diesel engines. Given the industrial and goods movement uses along Richmond Parkway, diesel PM concentrations near the corridor range from 0.08 to 0.98 tons per year. This is greater than 78% of communities statewide (California Office of Health Hazard Assessment, 2021).
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Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg. Shoreline San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West M acdonald Av Robert M iller Dr H arbour Wy M acdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St H illtop Dr M cBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Giant H w Parr Bl Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av Goodrick Av Pittsburg Av RI CH M ON D RI CH M ON D SAN PABLO N ORTH RI CH M ON D Richmond Pkwy Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & !"
San Pablo Bay Atch ison Village Beldin g/ Woods Fairm ede/ H illtop H illtop District H illtop Village I ron Trian gle Parch ester Village Rich m ore Village/ M etro Squ are San ta Fe Sh ields-Reid Coron ado Stu dy Corridor Equ ity Priority Com m u n ities (PBA 2050) Stu dy Area Pollu tion Bu rden Percen tiles (CalEn viroScreen 4.0) ≤ 25% 26%-50% 51%-75% ≥75% .5 M iles H I LLTOP M ALL Figure 14: Map of Pollution Burden in Study Area Source: California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (2021).
Existing Conditions | 29
Original PDF, page 30
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Photo: Vehicles turning onto the freeway on-ramp at Canal St.
Health Impacts
Poor environmental conditions contribute to public health issues, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and low birth weight. The highest rates of asthma attacks based on Emergency Room admissions near the corridor are in North Richmond and the Iron Triangle neighborhood.
The asthma rate in Iron Triangle is greater than 99% of other census tracts statewide, and North Richmond’s rate is greater than 98% of other census tracts statewide as shown in Figure 15 (California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 2021).
Iron Triangle has an asthma rate higher than of all census tracts in California. 99% 99%
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Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg. Shoreline San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West M acdonald Av Robert M iller Dr H arbour Wy M acdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St H illtop Dr M cBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Giant H w Parr Bl Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av Goodrick Av Pittsburg Av RI CH M ON D RI CH M ON D SAN PABLO N ORTH RI CH M ON D Richmond Pkwy Richmond Pkwy Castro St % & !"
San Pablo Bay Atch ison Village Beldin g/ Woods Fairm ede/ H illtop H illtop District H illtop Village I ron Trian gle Parch ester Village Rich m ore Village/ M etro Squ are San ta Fe Sh ields-Reid Coron ado Stu dy Corridor Equ ity Priority Com m u n ities (PBA 2050) Stu dy Area Asth m a Percen tiles (CalEn viroScreen 4.0) ≤85% 86%-90% 91%-95% ≥95% .5 M iles H I LLTOP M ALL Figure 15: Map of Asthma Rate in Study Area Source: California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (2021).
Existing Conditions | 31
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
TRANSIT SERVICE
Limited transit service operates on the corridor. Although there are 11 local and regional routes, they only travel on the northern and southern sections of the Parkway, including at the Richmond Parkway Transit Center (RPTC), but none run along the full length of the corridor.
Study area routes and community destinations like schools, hospitals, and supermarkets are shown in Figure 16. Many transit routes that serve corridor residents run through residential neighborhoods and to community destinations instead of directly on the Parkway, which has fewer active uses.
Photo: Bus stop at W MacDonald Ave.
Bus Connections
About 28% of total morning peak period trips starting in the study area use the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge in the westbound direction. While there are several bus routes that take riders north and south of Richmond, there is only one route that takes riders across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge: the Golden Gate Transit 580 Route that stops at Tewksbury Avenue and Castro Street.
Today, there are limited connections between the study area and this bus stop via the 607 and 72M. The 607 is a school route with only one run on weekdays, and the 72M only connects residents living in the southern portion of the corridor. Many lines run about every 30 minutes, providing limited service to hospitals, supermarkets, and connections like the Richmond BART station.
Photo: Buses waiting at the Richmond Parkway Transit Center. of households in the study area do not own a car, compared to 5% across Contra Costa County.
9% 9%
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Richmond High School Peres Elementary Bayview Elementary Lake Elementary Contra Costa College Verde Elementary San Pablo Av Fitzgerald Dr Rumrill Bl West Macdonald Av R o b e r t e r Dr Harbour Wy Macdonald Av West Barrett Av Ohio Av 22nd St 13th St Pennsylvania Av Carlson Bl Giant Rd 23rd St Hilltop Dr McBryde Av San Pablo Dam Rd Giant Hw Parr Bl Barrett Av Gertrude Av San Pablo Av A k cir o o G Pittsburg Av Wildcat Canyon RP Point Pinole Reg.
Shoreline Study Corridor Richmond Parkway Transit Center WestCAT Routes Golden Gate Transit Routes AC Transit Local and Transbay Routes AC Transit School and Night Routes Hospitals Supermarkets HILLTOP MALL .5 Miles JPX J LA 376 Routes Stopping at the Richmond Parkway Transit Center Figure 16: Map of Transit Routes in Study Area Source: AC Transit (2023); WestCAT (2023); Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District (2023).
Existing Conditions | 33
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Richmond Parkway Transit Center
The RPTC includes a park-and-ride lot and serves five AC Transit and three WestCat bus routes that connect West County communities to Richmond, Hercules, San Pablo, El Cerrito, and Downtown San Francisco. However, the layout of the Transit Center requires several minutes of diversion time, which adds up to over 13,000 annual rider hours for WestCAT express routes. There is also limited bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure connecting to the transit center as shown in Figure 17.
Figure 17: Map of Richmond Parkway Transit Center Existing Conditions Source: Richmond Parkway Transit Center Existing Conditions Review (AC Transit, 2011); Fehr & Peers (2023).
Parking for 206 vehicles Loading zone for pick-up/drop-off Genentech Bus Loading Area Pedestrian access points Informal pedestrian access point Center island platform with shelters and benches Existing Bike Route with sharrows Missing sidewalk Low-visibility crosswalks Existing Bike Lanes Low-visibility crosswalks Low-visibility crosswalks RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN 34 | Existing Conditions
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CHAPTER
Engagement
Community engagement at the North Richmond Flea Market.
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
STAKEHOLDER GROUPS
WCCTC engaged a variety of stakeholder groups, ranging from project partners who will help deliver the Plan’s recommendations to members of the public. Key stakeholder groups were:
General Public Residents and users of the Parkway were reached through in-person and online activities. To ensure engagement from marginalized residents living within the study area, in-person methods focused on presenting at community meetings and tabling at events/pop-ups in adjacent neighborhoods, including North Richmond, Parchester Village, and Iron Triangle. To get the word out, opportunities were advertised through social media ads and flyers and engagement information was distributed to all members of the WCCTC Board, PAG, and Technical Advisory Committee.
Because over 48% of people living in the area speak Spanish at home, Spanish- speaking staff attended each pop-up event and interactive boards, flyers, and social media ads were translated into Spanish. Online engagement was conducted through an online platform that enabled translation into any language.
Public Advisory Group (PAG) The PAG served as community liaisons to review and confirm the Public Engagement Plan, share information with community members, and provide input on the strategies. The Public Advisory Group consisted of representatives from the Port of Richmond, Richmond A robust community engagement process provided critical input to the Plan’s recommendations. This chapter summarizes the stakeholder groups, engagement methods, and feedback received. Appendix A contains the engagement approach and feedback summaries.
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Photo: Community engagement at Thrive Thursdays event in Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council, Trails for Richmond Action Committee, Urban Tilth, Watershed Project, Groundwork Richmond, Bike East Bay, North Richmond Municipal Advisory Council, Community Housing Development Corporation, Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program, and the California Trucking Association. Four PAG meetings were convened through the process.
WCCTC Board The Board was continually updated throughout the project and provided strategic direction on the Plan. Board members consisted of elected officials representing the cities of Hercules, Pinole, Richmond, San Pablo, and El Cerrito, as well as AC Transit, BART, WestCAT, and Contra Costa County.
Project Partners WCCTC partnered with the City of Richmond and Contra Costa County to deliver this Plan. Project partners participated in project management team meetings on a bi-weekly basis and were involved in key decisions throughout the study.
Their feedback is foundational to this Plan, as agencies that operate the local right-of-way will ultimately deliver many of the strategies and recommendations included in this Plan.
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) facilitated coordination among various agencies and organizations, allowing key stakeholders to provide input and technical guidance.
The TAC included representatives from the cities of Hercules, Pinole, Richmond, and San Pablo, as well as AC Transit, BART, WestCAT, Contra Costa County, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the East Bay Regional Parks District, and the West County Wastewater District.
Engagement | 37
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| ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY The public engagement plan was developed with input from the PAG. Afetr the first engagement phase was completed, the PAG confirmed the rest of the engagement plan was on-track. | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engagement efof rts resulted in... | ||||||||||
| ONLINE | ||||||||||
| 5 POP-UPS | 3 ENGAGEMENT | 7 COMMUNITY MEETINGS | ||||||||
| TOOLS | ||||||||||
| 142 WITH | PAG | |||||||||
| PEOPLE | 4 MEETINGS | |||||||||
| PROVIDING | 268 WITH RESPONSES | |||||||||
| FEEDBACK | TAC | |||||||||
| 235 FROM | 5 MEETINGS | |||||||||
| 71 ES | CONTRIBUTORS | WCCTC | ||||||||
| ES | ||||||||||
| PEOPLE WERE | 4 BOARD | |||||||||
| SPANISH | MEETINGS | |||||||||
| SPEAKERS |
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
1. Understand Needs
The first engagement phase focused on identifying needs and
vision for the Parkway and confirming understanding of existing
challenges and experiences using the Richmond Parkway.
Pop-Up Engagement
- August 6, 2023: North
Richmond Flea Market (North Richmond)
- August 10, 2023: Thrive
Thursdays (Coronado)
- August 19, 2023: Walmart (Hilltop)
Community Meetings
- September 5, 2023: North
Richmond Municipal Advisory Council
- September 12, 2023:
Parchester Village Neighborhood Council
- September 20,
2023: Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council Online Webmap
- June 15 through
September 4, 2023 PAG Meetings
- June 8, 2023
- September 21, 2023
WCCTC Board Meetings
- May 26, 2023
- September 29, 2023
2. Explore Strategies
3. Refine Solutions
Then, stakeholders provided input on draft strategies
responding to identified needs and issues. Community
priorities for solutions were identified.
Comments on the priority strategies and Draft Plan were
collected.
Pop-Up Engagement
- March 24, 2024: North Richmond Flea Market
- April 20, 2024: North Richmond’s Earth Day Festival
Community Meetings
- March 12, 2024: Parchester Village Neighborhood Council
- April 2, 2024: North Richmond
Municipal Advisory Council
- April 6, 2024: City of Richmond District 2
- April 17, 2024: Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council
Public Draft Online Survey
- November 4th through
November 29th, 2024 PAG Meeting
- October 9, 2024
WCCTC Board Meeting
- October 25, 2024
Richmond Council Meeting
- November 19, 2024
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Transportation, Water, and Infrastructure Committee (TWIC)
- December 9, 2024
Online Survey
- March 11 through
April 29, 2024 PAG Meeting
- February 22, 2024
WCCTC Board Meeting
- March 22, 2024
Engagement | 39
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
PHASE 1: UNDERSTAND NEEDS
To kick off the Plan, WCCTC asked participants to share their challenges and experiences using the Richmond Parkway via an online webmap of the corridor and by providing input in-person. Participants provided feedback on experiences related to safety, public health, transit, biking and walking, and vehicles and goods movement.
Photo of Phase 1 pop-up at North Richmond Flea Market, 2024, and images of Phase 1 online webmap and social media ads.
Original PDF, page 41
What We Heard
Respondents cited safety as their top concern, particularly related to speeding along the Parkway. Nearly a third of all responses related to biking and walking, a majority of which noted comfort and safety challenges while using the Parkway and the Bay Trail. Biking and walking comments also indicated concerns about existing infrastructure, such as missing sidewalks and curb ramps and poor accessibility to trails. Participants also brought up peak period congestion Note: Percentages add up to more than 100% due to the open-ended nature of comments received.
More than one topic could be discussed in each comment. throughout the corridor, with specific issues at intersections like San Pablo Avenue, Giant Road, and Castro Street.
Maintenance was an important theme, specifically concerning deteriorating pavement, illegal dumping, and overgrown trees. The distribution of need-related topics heard can be seen in Figure 18.
Feedback on needs and desired improvements was used as a basis for the development of draft strategies presented in Chapter 4. “It’s a deadly rat race road that I prefer not to drive on anymore.” “Making the Parkway look like it’s being cared for will go a long way towards making people feel safe.” “The stretch where Parkway opens up from 2 lanes to 4 is crazy! It turns into a speedway!” “Walking across the Parkway is super scary.” 30% 32% 30% 14% 12% 20% 0% 10% Safety Biking & Walking Maintenance Congestion Figure 18: Distribution of Need-Related Topics Heard Engagement | 41
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
PHASE 2: EXPLORE STRATEGIES
A list of over 30 strategies, organized into six different overarching topics, was developed to address the issues previously identified through existing conditions analysis, existing plans and policies, and engagement.
Stakeholders reviewed each strategy and provided a sense of relative priority. In this phase of engagement, participants were asked to provide feedback on the draft strategies. Participants ranked strategies via an online survey, in-person verbally, or in-person on interactive boards.
Participants could also provide open-ended feedback on the draft strategies or suggest strategies that they felt were missing. Since the Parkway is also a regional facility serving a broader community whose preferred solutions may look different from residents living along the corridor, it was important to supplement the results of digital engagement strategy with in-person feedback from nearby residents.
Public Health Strategies that reduce neighborhood truck traffic and reduce or mitigate vehicle emissions. Safety Strategies that reduce speeding and expand emergency vehicle access.
Walking and Biking Strategies that improve walking and biking experience on the Richmond Parkway and the Bay Trail. Driving and Goods Movement Strategies that address congestion and improve wayfinding.
Maintenance Strategies that address corridor and trail maintenance and illegal dumping. Transit Strategies that address transit reliability, service, comfort, and access.
Strategy Categories
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Images of Phase 2 Online Survey. Photo of Phase 2 pop-up at North Richmond Earth Day Festival, 2024. Photo of Phase 2 pop-up at North Richmond Flea Market, 2024.
Engagement | 43
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
What We Heard
Figure 19 summarizes the pop-up and online survey results, and highlights the top strategy categories identified. The top four draft strategy categories were public health, safety, maintenance, and walking and biking. Top strategies were ranked within each category based on the level of support.
The top strategy categories differed between online survey respondents and pop-up participants. Pop-up participants more strongly represented Equity Priority Communities living along the corridor compared to online survey respondents, who represented the broader community of regional Parkway users. Almost half of pop-up interactions occurred in Spanish. Pop-up participants ranked public health as the top strategy, followed by maintenance and safety, while online respondents ranked walking and biking as their top strategy, followed by safety and maintenance.
Public health strategies that received the most support were strategies restricting trucks from driving through neighborhoods and parking or idling near sensitive land uses, as well as the strategy to mitigate emissions through urban greening. Safety strategies, particularly measures to reduce speeding and address high risk intersections, were desired. Under maintenance, strategies addressing ongoing roadway maintenance and illegal dumping received support from all audiences.
Popular strategies related to walking and biking included upgrading on-street bikeways and sidewalks and constructing a new crossing for Wildcat Creek Trail.
Photo of Phase 2 pop-up at North Richmond Flea Market, 2024.
Original PDF, page 45
22+19+17+16+14+1227+23+15+13+11+ Feedback received during this phase confirmed the responsiveness of draft strategies to community needs and identified the top strategies for implementation.
Strategies in the highest-ranking categories were given greater consideration during the identification of Priority Strategies described in Chapter 5.
Figure 19: Distribution of Draft Strategy Category Votes Pop-Up Votes by Category Online Survey Votes by Category1
- Survey respondents skew more white and more wealthy than residents living along the Parkway.
Note: Pop-Up events were held on March 24, 2024 and April 20, 2024. The Online Survey was open from March 11 through April 29, 2024. Public Health, Maintenance, Safety, and Walking & Biking were the most popular strategy categories.
12% (29) Public Health Maintenance Safety Walking and Biking Transit Driving and Goods Movement 22% (51) 19% (45) 17% (40) 16% (37) 14% (33) 27% (90) 23% (78) 15% (52) 13% (45) 11% (38) 11% (36) Engagement | 45
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PHASE 3: REFINE SOLUTIONS
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN A subset of ten priority strategies were identified based on their ability to fulfill the Plan's six goals outlined in Chapter 1, issues identified in Chapter 2, and feedback from previous community engagement phases. Details about the priority strategies can be found in Chapter 5.
In this phase of engagement, the Draft Plan was disseminated to the public, project partners, PAG, TAC, WCCTC Board, Richmond City Council, and the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Transportation, Water, and Infrastructure Committee. In an online survey, participants were asked to provide feedback on the responsiveness of all the strategies to participant needs and which priority strategy they wanted to see advanced first. Participants could also provide open- ended feedback on the Draft Plan. The ranking of community priority strategies is listed in Figure 20.
Feedback heard during the PAG and public meetings confirmed the importance of implementing the priority strategies in response to existing needs and challenges along the corridor, while also identifying sources of funding that acknowledge the regional benefit of the Parkway. The regional-serving nature of the Parkway is described in Appendix B.
The feedback on the Draft Plan was incorporated into the Final Draft Plan, which was recirculated to project partners. The adoption of the Final Plan by WCCTC, the City of Richmond, and Contra Costa County is expected to occur in early 2025. Social media ads will be used to share the Final Plan.
92%
of survey respondents
agreed or strongly
agreed that the Plan
strategies responded
to their needs and
challenges along the
corridor.
Figure 20: Top Five Priority Strategies Survey Ranking 18 VOTES 11 VOTES 8 VOTES 7 VOTES 7 VOTES WB-1 Upgrade bikeways and connect sidewalk gaps S-1 Safety improvements at intersections PH-2 Trees and green infrastructure S-2 Reduce speeding M-1 Implement cross-jurisdictional maintenance program 46 | Engagement
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CHAPTER
Strategies
Photo of Phase 2 pop-up at North Richmond Flea Market, 2024.
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
IDENTIFYING STRATEGIES
The Plan identifies 27 final strategies that address the Plan’s six goals, issues identified through existing conditions analysis (Chapter 2), and community A major outcome of this Plan is a recommended list of strategies that represent projects, policies, or programs related to transportation or transportation impacts along the corridor for WCCTC and project partners to advance.
Public Health Strategies that reduce truck cut-through traffic and reduce or capture vehicle emissions. Safety Strategies that reduce vehicle speeds, address intersection conflict points, and prioritize emergency vehicle access.
Walking and Biking Strategies that support comfortable walking and biking on the Parkway and the Bay Trail. Driving and Goods Movement Strategies that encourage carpooling, optimize signal timing, and improve wayfinding for drivers.
Maintenance Strategies that holistically address corridor and Bay Trail maintenance and reduce illegal dumping. Transit Strategies that improve access and circulation at the Richmond Parkway Transit Center and support and encourage transit ridership.
engagement feedback (Chapter 3). The strategies are organized into six categories described in Figure 21 below. Figure 21: Strategy Categories
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| Improve Safety for All Users* 1a Reduce severe and fatal injury collisions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Increase Access to Key 2a Increase quality of connections Destinations* 2b Expand connectivity to key destinations | ||
| Improve Health* 3a Decrease emissions 3b Reduce cut-through traffic | ||
| Advance Placemaking* | 4a Improve maintenance and street beautification 4b Address key topics heard during engagement | |
| Enhance Travel Time 5a Reduce vehicle delay Reliability and Efficiency 5b Increase vehicle occupancy | ||
| Support Feasible Strategies | 6a Advance already adopted strategies 6b Near- to Medium-term implementation |
| Meets Meets Many Goals Some Goals | ||
|---|---|---|
| So | me Goa |
Meets Most Goals
All strategies meet at least some of the Plan’s
goals, and 63% meet
many or most goals. Table 1: Qualitative Goal Alignment Metrics Figure 22: Goals Alignment Ranking Goal Metric Improve Safety for All Users* 1a Reduce severe and fatal injury collisions
- Goal weighted more heavily given disproportionate benefit to local Equity Priority Communities.
Implementing these strategies will require coordination between WCCTC and partner agencies and organizations. The top 10 are identified as Priority Strategies (Chapter
- to be advanced first. WCCTC and partner agencies may draw from the larger list of strategies as conditions change or as new funding or capacity opportunities arise.
To measure the Plan’s performance, each strategy was evaluated against the Plan’s goals, as shown in Table 1. Consideration of equity was incorporated by more heavily weighting goals that would have a disproportionate benefit to Equity Priority Communities living along the corridor.
Appendix C lists the effectiveness of each strategy in meeting the Plan's goals. Based on the goal alignment metrics, each strategy met Some Goals, Many Goals, or Most Goals, as pictured in Figure 22. The full list of 27 strategies is presented in Table 2.
Strategies | 49
Original PDF, page 50
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Topic Subtopic Strategy Name Goals Alignment PH-1* Public Health Trucks Confirm and enforce truck routes in North Richmond PH-2* Public Health Urban Greening Trees and green infrastructure PH-3* Public Health Air Quality Minimize vehicle impacts to air quality PH-4 Public Health EV/AV Adoption Encourage private electric vehicle adoption and usage PH-5 Public Health Noise Improve sound wall S-1* Safety Street Design Safety improvements at intersections S-2* Safety Speeding Reduce speeding S-3 Safety Monitoring Monitor high-risk intersections for speeding, red light running, etc.
- Priority Strategies with an implementation plan in Chapter 5.
Table 2: Full List of Strategies
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Description Confirm designated truck routes in North Richmond, which is surrounded by industrial use, to ensure connections between truck-generating uses and the Parkway avoid residential neighborhoods to the extent feasible. Install cameras for legal automated monitoring and enforcement of heavy vehicles exceeding vehicle size limits.
Incorporate trees and green infrastructure into all capital projects where feasible. Encourage clean trucks to the maximum extent feasible through new development requirements.
Ensure requirements adhere to AB98 legislation. Place no truck parking and no idling zones judiciously to reinforce but not overburden truck operations. Install signs in strategic locations such as residential areas and near sensitive receptors (schools, hospitals, parks) indicating no-idling zones and displaying the associated fines.
Identify publicly-owned buildings within the study area exposed to emissions levels beyond the Bay Area Air Quality Management District thresholds of significance and prioritize these locations for installation and regular maintenance of high-quality air filtration systems.
Add electric vehicle charging infrastructure for vehicles and provide education on electric vehicle (EV) subsidy or rebate/incentive programs.
Improve the sound wall by increasing size or effectiveness of the sound barrier. Install safety treatments per the Intersection Safety Recommendations in Chapter 5. These treatments include but are not limited to:
- Lighting, which includes roadway lighting, visiblity of signage, reflectivity, and lighting of pedestrians and bicyclists; ensure bike lanes and intersections are adequately illuminated, particularly in high-traffic areas
- High-visibility crosswalks, curb ramps, and curb extensions
- Conflict zone markings for bicycle crossings
- Geometric changes
- Accessible pedestrian push buttons, pedestrian countdown signals, and bicycle detection at signalized intersections
Add speed limit signs and radar speed feedback signs at high speed locations. Study opportunity to follow through on the legal process for speed limit reduction. When legalized, implement pilot of speed safety cameras.
Install monitoring systems for near-miss events, speeding, red light running, etc. at high-risk intersections. S-3vvbv Strategies | 51
Original PDF, page 52
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Table 2: Full List of Strategies (cont.) Topic Subtopic Strategy Name Goals Alignment WB-1* Walking and Biking Street Design Upgrade bikeways and connect sidewalk gaps WB-2* Walking and Biking Wildcat Creek Trail Crossing On-street Wildcat Creek Trail crossing WB-3 Walking and Biking New Technology Test innovative bicycle and pedestrian detection at intersections WB-4 Walking and Biking Shared Mobility Expand electric bike share program DG-1* Driving and Goods Movement Cycle Length Upgrade and coordinate traffic signals DG-2 Driving and Goods Movement Congestion Add carpool lane on segments with high congestion DG-3 Driving and Goods Movement Street Design Redesign Richmond Parkway/ Castro Street merge DG-4 Driving and Goods Movement Signage/ Wayfinding Signage for blind turns DG-5 Driving and Goods Movement Signage/ Wayfinding Install wayfinding for drivers v
- Priority Strategies with an implementation plan in Chapter 5.
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Description Upgrade the Bay Trail to align with Bay Trail Design Guidelines, including adding clear and visible signage, particularly where the Bay Trail transitions to bikeways on Richmond Parkway. Realign Bay Trail between Hensley St and Gertrude Ave to western side of Castro St and Richmond Parkway.
Create buffers to physically separate bicyclists from motor vehicle traffic using landscaping to enhance bicyclist comfort and safety. Coordinate with the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority on the Living Levy project plans to improve pedestrian and operations access along Pittsburg Ave.
Install bike facilities, independent of the Bay Trail, with physical buffers to separate bicyclists from motor vehicles and improve bicyclist comfort and safety. Ensure bike lanes and intersections are adequately illuminated, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Install new sidewalks to close sidewalk gaps. Where sidewalk is missing on one side of the street along inactive land uses, condition future developers to install sidewalks.
Develop at-grade signalized multi-use crossing of Wildcat Creek Trail, install lighting, and add wayfinding signage to indicate distance traveled or what facilities are provided/nearby. In the long-term, consider a grade-separated overcrossing for the Wildcat Creek Trail over the Richmond Parkway.
Test new technologies (e.g. LiDAR, AI) that can help a traffic signal predict the arrival of a bicyclist or pedestrian and maintain signal protection until they have exited the intersection.
Support expansion of Richmond’s bikeshare program. Implement signal coordination along the Parkway in the peak period and optimize corridor-wide cycle lengths. Consider signal operations, pedestrian delay, and impact on speed. Install a connected battery backup system and a central signal management system. Upgrade signal hardware and software to allow automated traffic signal performance measures. Investigate, test, and deploy a system that allows for emergency vehicle preemption and transit prioritization at signalized intersections. Consider an adaptive traffic signal system.
Study the conversion of the northbound right turn lane into a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane for bus, carpool, and right turn only in the afternoon peak period. Implement recommendations in MTC’s I-580 Richmond Parkway Interchange Operational Improvements project.
Study reallocating merge capacity through restriping Richmond Parkway at the Castro Street merge to be one lane or introduce metering on Castro Street to control queues. Improve guidance for drivers through signage and striping.
Add a yield or prepare to stop sign/signal ahead of blind turns. Install gateway and wayfinding signage directing drivers on which lanes to use to access key destinations.
S-3 Strategies | 53
Original PDF, page 54
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Table 2: Full List of Strategies (cont.) Topic Subtopic Strategy Name Goals Alignment M-1* Maintenance Roadway Implement cross-jurisdictional maintenance program M-2 Maintenance Encampments Keep sidewalks and paths clear near encampments M-3 Maintenance Illegal Dumping Discourage illegal dumping T-1* Transit Richmond Parkway Transit Center Improve access to the Richmond Parkway Transit Center T-2 Transit Transit Bus/Shuttle Improve bus stop comfort T-3 Transit Transit Bus/Shuttle New transit service to Marin County T-4 Transit Transit Bus/Shuttle Increase bus frequency T-5 Transit Transit Bus/Shuttle On-demand shuttle service T-6 Transit Parking Parking lot for transit to Marin County T-7 Transit Accessibility Publicize transit options/ information v
- Priority Strategies with an implementation plan in Chapter 5.
Original PDF, page 55
Description Implement a consistent management program assigned to upkeep the Parkway and provide a plan on what maintenance is, how it is performed, how it can be budgeted, and why it is needed.
Consider maintenance agreement stating staff time commitments, legal resources, support from elected officials, and the process to identify a regional funding source. Identify a cross-jurisdictional maintenance manager to implement the program to rehabilitate and maintain pavement quality and striping along the corridor, as well as maintenance to extend the service life of shared use path pavement. This program would also apply to signage, tree, debris, and signal maintenance.
Partner with advocacy group for unhoused, such as SOS Richmond and Contra Costa Health, Housing and Homeless Services, to encourage people experiencing homeless to keep sidewalks and paths clear.
Reduce illegal dumping on the corridor via fencing and provide education on how to properly dispose of waste. Develop formal pedestrian connection between the northwest corner of the Richmond Parkway Transit Center and Richmond Parkway. Upgrade faded crosswalk markings within the Transit Center.
Install bike lockers at the Richmond Parkway Transit Center consistent with the Association of Pedestrian & Bicycle Professionals guidance. Install bus pullout stops to allow buses to directly serve the Transit Center from the Parkway as recommended in the WCCTC Express Bus Implementation Plan (2020).
Enhance bus stops with features like seating, shelters, lighting, and real-time displays. Study a bus line that connects Central/North Richmond and Hilltop to Marin across the Richmond- San Rafael Bridge.
Increase frequencies of AC Transit buses serving the corridor subject to AC Transit’s Realign Plan. Support continued operation and expansion of Richmond Moves on-demand shuttle, including to jobs centers.
To serve the large number of residents in the corridor commuting to the North Bay, study park-and- ride opportunities supporting transit service into Marin County.
Make transit schedules more accessible, expand education for Clipper Card usage, and publicize different transit options. S-3 Strategies | 55
Original PDF, page 56
- Pedestrian and bicycle crossing at W
Ohio Ave and Garrard Blvd.
- Flooded Wildcat Creek Trail tunnel.
- Informal pedestrian access point to the Richmond Parkway Transit Center currently subject to inclement weather.
56 | Strategies
CHAPTER
Priority Strategies
One of the priority strategies is to implement safety treatments at intersections, such as protected right- turn phases at Richmond Parkway and Ohio Avenue.
| ID | Topic | Strategy Name | Goals Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| PH-1 | Public Health | Confirm and enforce truck routes in North Richmond | |
| PH-2 | Public Health | Trees and green infrastructure | |
| PH-3 | Public Health | Minimize vehicle impacts to air quality | |
| S-1 | Safety | Safety improvements at intersections | |
| S-2 | Safety | Reduce speeding | |
| WB-1 | Walking and Biking | Upgrade bikeways and connect sidewalk gaps | |
| WB-2 | Walking and Biking | On-street Wildcat Creek Trail crossing | |
| DG-1 | Driving and Goods Movement | Upgrade and coordinate traffic signals | |
| M-1 | Maintenance | Implement cross-jurisdictional maintenance program | |
| T-1 | Transit | Improve access to the Richmond Parkway Transit Center |
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN The Plan identifies ten priority strategies to advance first based on their ability to address the Plan’s six goals outlined in Chapter 1, issues identified in Chapter 2, and community engagement feedback in Chapter 3. All the priority strategies shown in Table 3 meet many or most goals and received the most support through the online survey, pop- ups, and community meetings on the strategies. This chapter provides cutsheets describing the strategies’ associated actions, benefits, timeframes, lead and coordinating agencies, and cost ranges shown below. Cost ranges of each priority strategy are included in the subsequent cutsheets. Funding must be identified and acquired to implement the strategies, and WCCTC will support partner agencies in pursuing grants and regional funding opportunities. Funding and implementation are further discussed in Chapter 6.
Table 3: Priority Strategies T-1 Transit Improve access to the Richmond Parkway Transit Center v S-3vv = Meets Many Goals = Meets Most Goals $$$$ = <$1M $$$$ = $1M-5M $$$$ = $6M-$10M $$$$ = $11M+
Original PDF, page 59
Confirm designated truck routes Confirm designated truck routes in North Richmond, where there are large industrial-use generators, to ensure connections between truck-generating uses and the Parkway avoid residential neighborhoods to the extent feasible.
Enforce designated truck routes Install cameras for legal automated monitoring and enforcement of heavy vehicles exceeding vehicle size limits.
Confirm and enforce truck routes
in North Richmond
PUBLIC HEALTH
PH-1 Completion Timeframe 0 to 2 years Lead Agency Contra Costa County: Planning, Public Works, CHP Goals Alignment Meets Most Goals Coordinating Agency WCCTC, CalTrans, City of San Pablo, City of Richmond
Actions
Benefits
Improved neighborhood sound quality Reducing truck-related noise pollution, which can be damaging above 85 decibels 50 feet away, can decrease stress and improve sleep quality.1 Reduced exposure to emissions Trucks emit pollutants at a rate of 1.15 times more than passenger vehicles, which contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.2 Redirecting truck traffic from sensitive sites and residential neighborhoods reduces exposure to these emissions, leading to better air quality and fewer health issues, such as asthma.3
- Community and Environmental Defense Services, “Truck Stops & Neighborhood Quality of Life,”
2024.
- EPA, US EPA Archive Document on Idling Reduction; EPA, 2024.
- OEHHA, 2021. $$$$
Priority Strategies | 59
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Map of Existing Designated Truck Routes
Source: Richmond General Plan 2030, 2016. Industrial land use areas include land that is used for the manufacturing, storage, processing, or packaging of goods and materials.
PH-1 Figure 23:Map of Existing Designated Truck Routes
Incorporate trees and green infrastructure Incorporate trees and green infrastructure, such as bioretention planters, into all capital projects where feasible.
Trees and green infrastructure
PUBLIC HEALTH
PH-2 Completion Timeframe Ongoing Lead Agency City of Richmond: Public Works, Contra Costa County: Public Works Goals Alignment Meets Most Goals Coordinating Agency Groundwork Richmond, Contra Costa County: Planning
Benefits
Improved air quality Planting trees along sections of the nine-mile corridor would improve local air quality by capturing 213.6 metric tons of CO2 by 2050, the equivalent of removing 46 cars from the road driving a combined 529 thousand miles annually.1 Increased tree cover and lower temperatures Adding about 800 trees to the tree cover will provide shade along the entire corridor. This strategy can lower surface temperatures by up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit, which has the potential to save lives as climate change increases the frequency of extreme heat episodes.2 Improved drainage and water quality Bioretention planters provide, on average, 56% to 89% stormwater volume reduction and are proven to filter pollutants from stormwater, reducing flooding along the corridor and improving water quality.3
- ESA, 2024.
- Rx FOR HOT CITIES, 2023.
- EPA, NPDES: Stormwater Best Management Practice—Bioretention (Rain Gardens), 2021.
Actions
$$$$ Priority Strategies | 61
Original PDF, page 62
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Street trees Increased tree cover improves air quality by removing particulate matter, and reduces surface temperatures by providing shade and increasing moisture in the air. Trees also help manage runoff, reduce erosion caused by rain, and promote infiltration, which all work to reduce potential flooding.1 Public domain image.
Bioretention planters Installing bioretention planters helps manage stormwater runoff by capturing, treating, and absorbing runoff from the street, while recharging the local groundwater supply.
Image source: City of Raleigh.
Additional Details
PH-2
- ESA, " Soak Up the Rain: Trees Help Reduce Runoff," 2024.
Original PDF, page 63
Encourage clean trucks and prohibit truck activity in sensitive areas Encourage clean trucks to the maximum extent feasible through new development requirements.
Ensure requirements adhere to AB98 legislation. Place no truck parking and no idling zones judiciously to reinforce but not overburden truck operations. Install signs in strategic locations such as residential areas and near sensitive receptors (schools, hospitals, parks) indicating no-idling zones and displaying the associated fines.
Install air filtration systems Identify publicly-owned buildings within the study area exposed to emissions levels beyond the Bay Area Air Quality Management District thresholds of significance and prioritize these locations for installation and regular maintenance of high-quality air filtration systems.
Minimize vehicle impacts to air quality
PUBLIC HEALTH
PH-3
Additional Details
Benefits
Completion Timeframe 0 to 2 years Lead Agency Contra Costa County: Planning, City of Richmond: Public Works, BAAQMD Goals Alignment Meets Many Goals Coordinating Agency City of Richmond:
Planning, Contra Costa County: Planning, CHP Improved air quality Trucks idle at a rate of 1 gallon of diesel per hour on average, which releases more than 500 pounds of CO2 emissions per day.1 This strategy would reduce local exposure to these truck emissions.
Reduced health risks Higher CO2 levels contribute significantly to the prevalence of asthma and the risk of heart and lung disease. Reducing emissions will positively affect the 99th and 98th percentile asthma rates near the Parkway in the North Richmond and the Iron Triangle neighborhoods.2
- EPA, US EPA Archive Document on Idling Reduction; EPA, 2024.
- California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 2021.
Actions
No-idling signage No-idling signs are enforcement signs regarding truck parking or idling and can include associated fines. Detering this truck activity can improve the local air quality.
Image source: Traffic Signs. $$$$ Priority Strategies | 63
Original PDF, page 64
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Install safety enhancements Install safety treatments per the following Intersection Safety Recommendations pages. These treatments include but are not limited to: high visibility crosswalks, curb ramps and curb extensions/ bulbouts, turn delineators to slow down left turn speeds, conflict zone markings for bicycle crossings, pedestrian refuge islands, removing slip lanes, and lighting (overhead lighting, pedestrian- and bicyclist-scale lighting, bus stop lighting, visiblity and reflectivity of signage). Ensure bike lanes and intersections are adequately illuminated, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Improve safety at signalized intersections Install safety treatments per the following Intersection Safety Recommendations pages. These treatments include but are not limited to: accessible pedestrian push buttons, pedestrian countdown signals, bicycle detection, striped trail crossings, and No Right Turn on Red signage.
Safety improvements at intersections
SAFETY
S-1
Benefits
Safer streets for all This strategy could lead to a 7% reduction in all collisions.1 Safer streets for bicyclists and pedestrians This strategy could lead to a 43% reduction in injury collisions involving bicyclists or pedestrians.1
- Caltrans, Local Roadway Safety Manual, 2024; City of Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan,
2023; City of Richmond General Plan, 2012; City of Richmond Local Road Safety Plan, 2023; Contra Costa County General Plan, 2005; Fehr and Peers, 2024; FHWA, CMF Clearinghouse, 2024; San Pablo General Plan, 2011.
Actions
Completion Timeframe 6 to 10 years Lead Agency Contra Costa County: Public Works, City of Richmond: Public Works Goals Alignment Meets Most Goals Coordinating Agency Caltrans, MTC, West County Wastewater, CCTA, BNSF $$$$
Original PDF, page 65
Intersection Safety Recommendations
TREATMENTS AT EVERY INTERSECTION TREATMENTS AS NEEDED Mark all crosswalks with high-visibility striping and advance stop bars to improve pedestrian crossing visibility.
HIGH-VISIBILITY CROSSWALKS Install directional ADA curb ramps. ACCESSIBLE CURB RAMPS Install audible pedestrian signals and accessible push buttons at crossings.
ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS Provide protected right-turn phase to remove vehicle-bike and vehicle-pedestrian conflicts in time. PROTECTED RIGHT-TURN PHASE Install pedestrian countdown timers to display the crossing time remaining.
PEDESTRIAN COUNTDOWN SIGNALS Improve overhead, pedestrian-scale, and bus stop lighting to increase visibility of all road users. Increase visibility and reflectivity of all signage.
LIGHTING AND REFLECTIVITY Install reflective backplates on signals to enhance the visibility of traffic signals. REFLECTIVE BACKPLATES Install bike detection at signalized intersections.
BIKE DETECTION Promote self-enforcement of right-turn only lane by installing a far-side bulbout and enhancing related signage. ONLY ENFORCE RIGHT-TURN ONLY LANES Install railroad crossing arms for pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
RAILROAD CROSSING ARMS Provide pedestrians a place to wait if they are unable to finish crossing an intersection. MEDIAN REFUGE ISLANDS Reduce curb radii to slow down vehicle turning speeds, shorten pedestrian and bicyclist crossing distances, and provide more sidewalk space for pedestrians and bicyclists.
TIGHTEN CURB RADII Stripe crosswalk to indicate trail crossing and improve user visibility. STRIPE TRAIL CROSSING Straighten crosswalks to improve sightlines and shorten pedestrian crossing distances.
STRAIGHTEN CROSSWALKS Install a raised crosswalk in the right-turn slip lane to reduce turning speeds. RAISED CROSSWALKS Prohibit vehicle right-turn on red at path and separated bikeway crossings of the minor street to reduce conflicts.
NO RIGHT-TURN ON RED Install protected intersection to support bicyclist turning movements and create slower interactions and clear sightlines.
MAJOR BIKE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Enhance or create new active transportation connection between bike facility and the Parkway with lighting and maintenance.
MINOR BIKE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Where large vehicles must turn, install a porkchop island to reduce crossing distances and provide a raised crosswalk to reduce speeds.
INSTALL PORKCHOP ISLAND WITH RAISED CROSSWALK Figure 24:Intersection Safety Recommendations Priority Strategies | 65
Original PDF, page 66
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Intersection Safety Recommendations (Cont.)
Provide intersection improvements to be determined through MTCʼs I-580/Richmond Parkway Operational Improvements Project. Install underpass lighting to improve visibility for all users.
Provide protected phases for southbound and westbound right-turns. .5 mi N Ohio Ave W Macdonald Ave Nevin Ave W Bissell Ave Castro St Richmond Pkwy W Barrett Ave 1st St 2nd St Pennsylvania Ave Richmond Ln Mills St Hensley St W h a n sl or A e Existing Signalized Intersection At-Grade Railroad Crossing Transit Stop S-1 South Segment:
I-580 to Hensley St See individual recommendation icon details on page 65. Figure 25:Intersection Safety Recommendations (Cont.)
Original PDF, page 67
See proposed Wildcat Creek Trail signalized crossing diagram. .5 mi N W Gertrude Ave Parr Blvd Pittsburg Ave Richmond Pkwy Wildcat Cr ee k Goodrick Ave Existing Signalized Intersection Proposed Signalized Intersection ONLY ONLY ONLY Central Segment:
West Gertrude Ave to Goodrick Ave See individual recommendation icon details on page 65. Priority Strategies | 67
Original PDF, page 68
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
- Intersection counts not taken.
Consider right-turn phasing depending on changing land uses/Hilltop Specific Plan. Redesign ramp geometry to reduce vehicle speeds. N .5 mi San Pablo Ave Lakeside Dr BELLA VISTA Hillto p Dr Atl as Rd Richmond Pkwy Blum e r Signalized Intersection Transit Stop RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSIT CENTER
Intersection Safety Recommendations (Cont.)
S-1 North Segment: Giant Hwy Ramp to I-80 See individual recommendation icon details on page 65 and Appendix D for the 35% design concept between San Pablo Avenue and the entrance to the Pinole Vista Shopping Center.
Original PDF, page 69
Install speed-monitoring systems Add radar speed feedback signs or implement pilot of speed cameras at high speeding locations. Speed cameras are currently not allowed under state law, but legislation passed in 2023, Assembly Bill 645, authorizes six designated cities across California to implement a speed camera pilot program.
Indicate speed limits Add speed limit signs and lower the speed limit throughout the Parkway if allowed under state law.
Reduce speeding
SAFETY
S-2
Benefits
Additional Details
Actions
Completion Timeframe 3 to 5 years Lead Agency City of Richmond: Public Works, Contra Costa County: Public Works Goals Alignment Meets Many Goals Coordinating Agency City of Richmond: PD;
California Highway Patrol Safer streets for all This strategy could lead to a 20% reduction in all collisions.1
- Caltrans, Local Roadway Safety Manual, 2024; FHWA, CMF Clearinghouse, 2024.
Radar speed signs Radar speed feedback signs are cost-effective traffic calming solutions that reduce average vehicle speeds and slow speeding drivers.
Image Source: Trafficalm. $$$$ Priority Strategies | 69
Original PDF, page 70
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Upgrade bikeways and connect sidewalk gaps
WALKING AND BIKING
WB-1 Lead Agency City of Richmond: Public Works, Contra Costa County: Public Works Coordinating Agency MTC, CCTA, WCCTC, City of Pinole, EBRPD Goals Alignment Meets Most Goals
Benefits
Increased access for pedestrians Creates a more direct and usable path for pedestrians along the entire Parkway, improving connections to bus stops, Richmond Parkway Transit Center, nearby parks, schools, and community services.
Increased access for bicyclists1 Upgrade Bay Trail facilities Upgrade the Bay Trail to align with Bay Trail Design Guidelines, including adding clear and visible signage, particularly where the Bay Trail transitions to bikeways on Richmond Parkway. Realign Bay Trail between Hensley St and Gertrude Ave to western side of Castro St and Richmond Parkway. Create buffers to physically separate bicyclists from motor vehicle traffic using landscaping to enhance bicyclist comfort and safety. Coordinate with the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority on the Living Levy project plans to improve pedestrian and operations access along Pittsburg Ave.
Install high-quality on-street bikeways Install bike facilities, independent of the Bay Trail, with physical buffers to separate bicyclists from motor vehicles and improve bicyclist comfort and safety. Ensure bike lanes and intersections are adequately illuminated, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Close sidewalk gaps Install new sidewalks to close sidewalk gaps. Where sidewalk is missing on one side of the street along inactive land uses, condition future developers to install sidewalks.
Actions
Completion Timeframe 6 to 10 years Within 20 minutes, residents near the Central segment would be able to access up to... 5x more amenities2 2.5x more jobs 4x more park area by biking Within 20 minutes, residents near the South segment would be able to access up to...
10% more amenities2 20% more jobs 5% more park area by biking Within 20 minutes, residents near the North segment would be able to access up to...
2x more amenities2 3x more jobs 3x more park area by biking
- ESA, 2024; TravelAccess+, Fehr and Peers, 2024; LEHD, 2023. North segment includes areas east of San Pablo Ave and north of El Portal Dr, covering Tara Hills, Hilltop Village, Hilltop District, and Rollingwood. Central segment includes areas west of
San Pablo Ave and north of Gertrude Ave/Costa Ave, covering San Pablo, North Richmond, and Parchester Village. South segment includes areas south of Gertrude Ave/Costa Ave, including Shields-Reid, Iron Triangle and Santa Fe.
- Amenities include day cares, hospitals, schools, supermarkets and emergency services. $$$$
Original PDF, page 71
Sidewalk Gaps and Recommended Bikeways
Source: Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan, 2023. Missing sidewalks on both sides of street Missing sidewalks on one side of street Study Corridor Richmond Parkway Transit Center Existing bike lane Proposed separated bike lane Proposed Bay Trail realignment Existing Bay Trail Wildcat Creek Trail Crossing Richmond Parkway Richmond Parkway RICHMOND Castro St Sample Separated Bikeway Design Concept For detailed design between San Pablo Ave and Pinole Vista Crossing Shopping Center, see Appendix D.
LANDSCAPED SEPARATED BIKEWAY H e n s e y S t Figure 26:Sidewalk Gaps and Recommended Bikeways Priority Strategies | 71
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
On-street Wildcat Creek Trail crossing
WALKING AND BIKING
WB-2 Previous planning efforts, such as the San Francisco Estuary Partnership’s Restoring Wildcat Creek: Community-Led Watershed Health Update and Priority Project Implementation project, have identified a community desire for a grade-separated crossing at this location. The Richmond Parkway Transportation Plan recommends installing a signalized crossing to improve conditions in the nearer term as overcrossing costs are significant and will require a longer time horizon to fund and construct.
Lead Agency Contra Costa County: Public Works Coordinating Agency EBRPD, City of Richmond: Public Works, MTC, West County Wastewater, WCCTC Goals Alignment Meets Many Goals
Benefits
Increased multimodal access Improving the Wildcat Creek Trail Crossing through near-term improvements would connect nearly 1 mile of trail east of the Parkway with 1.4 miles of trail west of the Parkway when the underpass is flooded, resulting in a total of 2.2 miles of low stress bicycle facilities.1 Improved crossing usage and experience Provides a functioning, year-round crossing resilient to sea level rise effects and resolves the current flooding of the existing tunnel.
Add a signalized crossing Develop at-grade signalized multi-use crossing of Wildcat Creek Trail, install lighting, add signage along Wildcat Creek Trail to indicate distance traveled or what facilities are provided/nearby.
Actions
Completion Timeframe 3 to 5 years
- Fehr & Peers, 2024. $$$$
Original PDF, page 73
Proposed Signalized Crossing at Wildcat Creek Trail
100 ft N Wildcat Creek Trail Wildcat Creek Trailhead Richmond Parkway New Trail Connection New Signal Wi a t r e e k Tr a Coordinate with the East Bay Regional Park District to create trail connection through the existing fence.
Extend curb line to slow turning vehicles. Existing Tunnel Alignment Tunnel frequently floods, requiring trail users to turn back. Figure 27:Proposed Signalized Crossing at Wildcat Creek Trail Priority Strategies | 73
Original PDF, page 74
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Implement signal coordination Implement signal coordination along the Parkway in the peak period and optimize corridor-wide cycle lengths. Consider signal operations, pedestrian delay, and impact on speed.
Upgrade signal infrastructure Install a connected battery backup system and a central signal management system. Upgrade signal hardware and software to allow automated traffic signal performance measures. Investigate, test, and deploy a system that allows for emergency vehicle preemption and transit prioritization at signalized intersections. Consider an adaptive traffic signal system.
Upgrade and coordinate traffic signals
in the northbound direction in the afternoon peak period. in the southbound direction in the morning peak period. 13 minutes 3 minutes
- Fehr & Peers, SimTraffic Model, 2024. Travel time savings are greater in the northbound direction since it is more heavily impacted by existing traffic congestion, particularly during the evening commute period as discussed in Chapter 2.
DRIVING AND GOODS MOVEMENT
DG-1 Travel time savings1 Coordinating the signals along the Parkway could save drivers up to... Reduced idling Time travel savings may reduce vehicle emissions and driver frustrations from sitting at lights, improving local air quality and discouraging dangerous driving actions such as running red lights, speeding, and driving on the shoulder lane.
Improved emergency services and bus reliability Signal priority for emergency services or transit at signalized intersections can improve the speed of emergency responders in reaching a scene and increase the time available for making critical decisions, as well as improve or increase bus reliability along the corridor.
Completion Timeframe 3 to 5 years Lead Agency City of Richmond: Public Works; Contra Costa County: CCTA Goals Alignment Meets Many Goals Coordinating Agency Caltrans, MTC
Actions
Benefits
$$$$
Original PDF, page 75
Traffic signal coordination Coordinating traffic signals synchronizes the timing of multiple intersections to improve traffic flow and reduce delays. This can result in less braking, improve goods movement efficiency, and discourage neighborhood cut-through traffic.
Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is currently leading a Smart Signals Project to upgrade and coordinate traffic signals at over 300 intersections throughout the county to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion, providing a potential avenue for traffic signal funding on the Parkway.
Image source: UDOT. Emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) technology EVP technologies allow signals to modify their signal timing to provide a green light as soon as possible for an approaching emergency vehicle.
Image source: Maripoca Association of Governments.
Additional Details
Priority Strategies | 75
Original PDF, page 76
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Implement a corridor-wide maintenance program with a maintenance manager Implement a consistent management program assigned to upkeep the Parkway and provide a plan on what maintenance is, how it is performed, how it can be budgeted, and why it is needed. Consider maintenance agreement stating staff time commitments, legal resources, support from elected officials, and the process to identify a regional funding source.
The program will need to determine the feasible maintenance level, associated analyses, and implementation costs for, but not limited to, the following items: roadway pavement, striping, shared use path pavement, signage life, signals, street lights, street sweeping, drainage systems, and vegetation. Following program development, which may be developed with the assistance of a maintenance consultant, identify a cross-jurisdictional maintenance manager for implementation.
Implement cross-jurisdictional
maintenance program
- SMOOTHNESS MATTERS, Asphalt Pavement Alliance, 2008.
- Reynolds, R. L., Molden, N., Kokaly, R. F., Lowers, H., Breit, G. N., Goldstein, H. L., et al. (2024).
Microplastic and associated black particles from road-tire wear: Implications for radiative effects across the cryosphere and in the atmosphere. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 129, e2024JD041116.
- How Pavement and Bridge Conditions Affect Transportation System Performance, FHWA, 2023.
MAINTENANCE
M-1 Reduced emissions and costs to drivers Improved pavement conditions could save drivers up to 4%-10% of fuel consumption, repair and maintenance, and tire wear. Reducing fuel consumption and tire wear reduces emissions and microplastics, improving air and water quality and protecting the environment by reducing the use of natural resources.1,2 Improved safety Improved pavement friction at intersections provides numerous benefits: improved driver control, reduced stopping distances, reduced skidding, and a 20% reduction in total intersection crashes.3 Improved coordination and response Consolidating maintenance responsibilities under one central manager allows for improved coordination between agencies, cost savings due to consolidation, and a more timely response to concerns.
Completion Timeframe 2 to 4 years Lead Agency Contra Costa County: Public Works, City of Richmond: Public Works Goals Alignment Meets Most Goals Coordinating Agency CCTA, WCCTC
Actions
Benefits
$$$$
Original PDF, page 77
Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Scores Consistent pavement maintenance helps extend the useful life of pavement. PCI scores measure the health of a road's pavement, ranging from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). A PCI score of at least 70 is desired.
Factors that affect a PCI score include the age of the pavement/when the roadway was last paved, climate and precipitation, traffic loads, and available maintenance funding. Keeping the Parkway in good pavement condition will require more constant maintenance due to consistent heavy truck traffic;
this may include pavement milling and overlaying with digouts, slurry sealing, and practices that better accommodate the weight of trucks. Regularly maintaining the roadway is less costly than major pavement reconstruction.
MTC's StreetSaver software includes network PCI data as well as projected PCI information, assuming various maintenance scenarios, to help jurisdictions make maintenance decisions. The current PCI scores across different segments of Richmond Parkway range from 3 to 92. Segments with low PCI scores would require reconstruction of the pavement surface whereas segments with a high PCI score could be treated with a slurry seal.
Image source: AA Roads, 2013.
Additional Details
Castro Street approaching Richmond Lane in good pavement condition (high PCI score) in 2013. Priority Strategies | 77
Original PDF, page 78
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Improve access to the Richmond
Parkway Transit Center
TRANSIT
T-1
Benefits
Improve transit reliability Access enhancements would reduce travel time delays associated with buses circulating within the RPTC, saving approximately 13,000 annual rider hours for WestCAT express routes. Time travel savings across operators would be greater.2 Support potential mode shift Providing secure bicycle lockers for long term parking (2+ hours) encourages bicycle owners to bike to transit as a first/last mile connection.3 Improve pedestrian experience Creating a direct formal pedestrian connection from the Parkway would enhance comfort and access for users who currently walk through landscaping or take a less direct route from Blume Drive to enter the RPTC. Providing a marked crosswalk will also improve visibility of these pedestrians.
Completion Timeframe 3 to 5 years Lead Agency AC Transit, City of Richmond: Public Works, MTC1 Goals Alignment Meets Many Goals Coordinating Agency Caltrans, CCTA, WestCAT, WCCTC Support transit access Install bus pullout stops on Richmond Parkway for Richmond Parkway Transit Center (RPTC) routes and shift eastbound bikeway south of the bus stops. These bus bays would allow southbound buses traveling from I-80 or eastbound buses from Richmond Parkway to serve riders without turning onto Blume Drive and circulating within the Transit Center, saving a significant amount of time (northbound or westbound buses would still be required to enter the Transit Center).1 Support pedestrian access Develop formal pedestrian connection between the northwest corner of the RPTC and Richmond Parkway. Upgrade faded crosswalk markings within the Transit Center.
Provide bicycle storage Install bike lockers at the RPTC consistent with the Association of Pedestrian & Bicycle Professionals guidance.
Actions
$$$$
Original PDF, page 79
Additional Details
Richmond Parkway Transit Center Access Enhancement Improvements would install three new curbside bus stops, a rerouted separated bikeway, and a direct pedestrian connection for users coming in and out of the RPTC.
Source: West Contra Costa County Express Bus Implementation Plan, WCCTC, 2020. Bike lockers Providing bike lockers will provide safe storage areas for people to store their bicycles, supporting a potential mode shift, as secure bicycle storage does not currently exist at the Richmond Parkway Transit Center.
Blume Dr Blume Dr Richmond Parkway Richmond Parkway Transit Center Transit Center Richmond Pkwy Richmond Pkwy
- MTC is considering the implementation of this strategy as part of its Bay Bridge Forward work along
I-80.
- West Contra Costa County Express Bus Implementation Plan, WCCTC, 2020.
- Bicycle and Transit Integration, A Practical Transit Agency Guide to Bicycle Integration and Equitable
Mobility, APTA, 2018. Priority Strategies | 79
Original PDF, page 80
- Existing trees along Richmond Parkway sequester emissions, provide shade, and create a more interesting and welcoming roadway environment.
- Unique bike crossing striping indicates the existence of the Bay Trail at Richmond
Parkway and W MacDonald Ave.
- Graffiti on Bay Trail and bike signage reduces the visibility of signs and contributes to a neglected environment feel.
80 | Priority Strategies
CHAPTER
Implementation
and Funding
Additional funding is needed to upgrade the Bay Trail along Richmond Parkway to align with Bay Trail Design Guidelines, as outlined in the priority strategies.
| Category | ID | Strategy Name | Lead Agencies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health | PH-1 | Confirm and enforce truck routes in North Richmond | Contra Costa County: Planning, Public Works, CHP | |
| PH-2 | Incorporate trees and green infrastructure | City of Richmond: Public Works; Contra Costa County: Public Works | ||
| PH-3 | Minimize vehicle impacts to air quality | Contra Costa County: Planning; City of Richmond: Public Works | ||
| Safety | S-1 | Install safety improvements at intersections | Contra Costa County: Public Works; City of Richmond: Public Works | |
| S-2 | Reduce speeding | City of Richmond: Public Works; Contra Costa County: Public Works | ||
| Walking and Biking | WB-1 | Upgrade bikeways and connect sidewalk gaps | City of Richmond: Public Works; Contra Costa County: Public Works | |
| WB-2 | Install on-street Wildcat Creek Trail crossing | Contra Costa County: Public Works | ||
| Driving and Goods Movement | DG-1 | Upgrade and coordinate traffic signals | City of Richmond: Public Works; CCTA | |
| Maintenance | M-1 | Implement cross-jurisdictional maintenance program | Contra Costa County: Public Works; City of Richmond: Public Works | |
| Transit | T-1 | Improve access to the Richmond Parkway Transit Center | AC Transit; City of Richmond: Public Works; MTC |
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN Table 4: Priority Strategies Implementation Plan
IMPLEMENTING
THE PRIORITY
STRATEGIES
Given the regional and economic importance and 9-mile span of the Parkway, implementation will require multi-jurisdictional efforts and substantial funding. Table 4 highlights partnership opportunities and jurisdictional responsibility for each of the priority strategies introduced in Chapter 5. For each priority strategy, lead agencies, coordinating agencies, cost estimates, and completion timeframes for delivering the strategy are listed. Agencies Completion timeframe covers program development. Additional costs will vary depending on program development.
- Assumes a 4% inflation rate with construction occurring in 2030. Some costs may be duplicated across strategies, such as landscaping under PH-2 and landscape separated bikeways under WB-1. 2. See Appendix F for more details on cost estimates.
- Funding already secured via CNRA Urban Greening Grant for tree planting along Richmond Parkway adjacent to Atchison Village
Original PDF, page 83
| Coordinating Agencies | Cost Estimate1,2 | Completion Timeframe Target | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCCTC, Caltrans, City of San Pablo, City of Richmond | Planning: $40,000 Truck monitoring/enforcement camera: $30,000 per location | 0-2 years | |
| Groundwork Richmond, Contra Costa County: Planning | $2,900,000 to $7,420,000 per mile3 | Ongoing | |
| BAAQMD, City of Richmond: Planning, Contra Costa County: Planning, CHP | Planning: $15,000 | 0-2 years | |
| Caltrans, MTC, West County Wastewater, CCTA | $1,100,000 per intersection | 6-10 years | |
| City of Richmond: PD, CHP | Speed limit study: $10,000 Speed signs: $55,000 total4 | 0-2 years | |
| MTC, CCTA, WCCTC, City of Pinole, EBRPD | Sidewalks: $4,400,000 per mile Separated Bikeways: $18,000,000 per mile Bay Trail: $7,960,0005 | 6-10 years | |
| EBRPD, City of Richmond: Public Works, MTC, West County Wastewater, WCCTC | $2,560,000 | 3-5 years | |
| Caltrans | $5,500,000 for the corridor (23 intersections) | 3-5 years | |
| CCTA, WCCTC | Pavement treatment: $32,790,000 General maintenance: $483,100 annually | 2-4 years | |
| Caltrans, CCTA, WestCAT, WCCTC | Parkway bus stops and pedestrian connection: $1,297,000 Bicycle lockers: $55,500 | 3-5 years |
identified as lead have jurisdiction over the priority strategy and will have ultimate decisionmaking power during implementation. Coordinating agencies may have prior planning knowledge or funding streams valuable for implementation, be working on similar efforts or efforts affected by the strategy, or have a role in post-implementation operation. For example, MTC could have a role in identifying funding for Bay Trail improvements in strategy WB-1. Lead agencies and coordinating agencies may work together to identify funding sources for the priority strategies, which altogether are estimated to cost between $130M and $150M. Lead agencies can look for opportunities to initiate these strategies immediately regardless of target completion timeframe.
and in North Richmond. Other segments require funding. Low end of range assumes general landscaping only, while high end of range assumes bioretention with landscaping. 4. Speed cameras currently not permitted under state law. Costs to be determined when legalized. 5. Includes cost of Bay Trail realignment between Gertrude Avenue and Hensley Street and path widening between Parr Boulevard and Gertrude Avenue.
Implementation and Funding | 83
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| Action | Priority Strategy ID | Next Steps | Future Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance 35% design concept for northern segment of Richmond Parkway1 | PH-2 S-1 S-2 WB-1 WB-2 T-1 | Pursue funding, such as from the RAISE Grant, RM3, and OBAG, to finalize design and construct project.2 | Pursue funding for concept development for remaining segments of the Parkway and Bay Trail. |
| Confirm and enforce truck routes in North Richmond | PH-1 | Given low implementation cost, assess existing staffing capacity and City/County funding sources to advance planning component. | Apply for funding if needed.2 |
| Minimize vehicle impacts to air quality | PH-3 | ||
| Upgrade and coordinate traffic signals | DG-1 | Confirm previously-studied recommendations from the 2019 Program for Arterial System Synchronization (PASS) Report. | Apply for funding2 and advocate for inclusion in CCTA's Countywide Smart Signals Project. |
| Implement Roadway Pavement and Maintenance Management Program | M-1 | Confirm the City and County’s interest in pursuing the action by considering an agreement. | Negotiate agreement, identify a regional funding source, and determine guidelines for program development. |
RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN To advance the priority strategies in the near-term, Table 5 includes immediate next steps for lead agencies to undertake as well as future steps. WCCTC and CCTA may assist with preparing grant applications, but lead agencies should also consider short-term mitigation measures for safety and accessibility through existing City/County programs. Due to the length of the corridor, capital improvement strategies should be grouped by corridor segment and assembled as packages for funding applications. For example, Appendix D includes a 35% design concept for a landscape separated bikeway on the northern segment of Richmond Parkway, which incorporates multiple priority strategies. Lead agencies can use the design concept to pursue funding in the near-term to address several existing challenges on this segment, including a concentration of speed-related injury collisions, absence of separated bikeways connecting to the Richmond Parkway Transit Center (RPTC), and an indirect bus connection to the RPTC.
Table 5: Priority Strategies Implementation Next Steps
- Segment includes Richmond Parkway between San Pablo Avenue and the entrance to the Pinole Vista Shopping Center. The segment carries multiple bus routes and bike lanes, connects to the Richmond Parkway Transit Center, and borders Equity
Priority Community census tracts. See Appendix D for the 35% design concept and cost estimates. 2. List of potential funding sources by priority strategy is provided in Appendix E. WCCTC and CCTA may assist with preparing grant applications.
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POTENTIAL CURRENT
FUNDING SOURCES
To fully implement the many strategies in this plan, substantial funding will be needed. A full list of potential funding sources is provided in Appendix E. A sample of current federal, state, and regional funding sources that are aligned with priority strategies are presented below. Given the recent federal administration change, federal funding sources may become less available. Therefore, regional and countywide measures may offer the most promising funding opportunities.
Lead agencies may determine how to prioritize the implementation of the strategies, including the priority strategies. WCCTC will continue to support project partners in pursuing funding options for the strategies, including regional sources.
Bay Trail at the intersection of Hilltop Drive and Richmond Parkway. Federal State Regional RAISE grants are awarded to surface transportation projects that are consistent with the Department’s strategic goals and will have significant local or regional impact.
Next Cycle: FY2025 When to Apply: Early 2025 Maximum Amount: $25M per project Funding Source:
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with
Sustainability and Equity Grant Program (RAISE)
Administered By: Lead Agencies: Contra Costa County City of Richmond Applicable Strategies: WB-1 T-1 DG-1 U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary S-1 Implementation and Funding | 85
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN RM3 provides funding for a comprehensive suite of highway and transit improvements through an increase of tolls on the San Francisco Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges. RM3 has about $10 million that could be allocated to the priority strategies.
Next Cycle: Monthly When to Apply: Monthly Maximum Amount: $160M for Goods Movement, $150M for Bay Trail and Safe Routes to Transit Funding Source:
Federal State Regional
Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
The HSIP Program funds work on any public road or publicly owned bicycle or pedestrian pathway or trail, or on tribal lands for general use of tribal members, that improves the safety for its users.
Next Cycle: Cycle 13 When to Apply: As early as May 2026 Maximum Amount: $10M per project Funding Source: Administered By: Applicable Strategies:
WB-1 Federal State Regional Caltrans Division of Local Assistance S-1 S-2 Lead Agencies: Contra Costa County City of Richmond
Regional Measure 3 (RM3)
Administered By: Applicable Strategies: WB-1 DG-1 PH-1 WB-2 Metropolitan Transportation Commission S-1 T-1 Lead Agencies: Contra Costa County Contra Costa Transportation Authority City of Richmond
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Local Partnership Program Formula &
Competitive Programs (LPP)
The LPP Program provides funding to local and regional agencies to improve aging infrastructure, road conditions, active transportation, transit and rail, and health and safety benefits.
Next Cycle: 2026 When to Apply: Fall 2026 Maximum Amount: $25M per project Funding Source: Administered By: Applicable Strategies: WB-1 T-1 WB-2 Federal State Regional M-1 S-1 Lead Agencies:
Contra Costa Transportation Authority City of Richmond Caltrans Division of Local Assistance California Transportation Commission
One Bay Area Grant Program (OBAG)
The One Bay Area Grant (OBAG), now in its third iteration, distributes federal transportation funding from the Federal Highway Administration to projects and programs that improve safety, spur economic development and help the Bay Area meet climate change and air quality improvement goals.
Next Cycle: OBAG 4 When to Apply: As early as 2026 Maximum Amount: $47.3M for Contra Costa County for 2023-2026 Funding Source: Administered By:
Applicable Strategies: WB-1 DG-1 PH-2 WB-2 Federal State Regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission Contra Costa Transportation Authority T-1 S-1 Lead Agencies:
Contra Costa County Contra Costa Transportation Authority City of Richmond Implementation and Funding | 87
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
POTENTIAL FUTURE
FUNDING SOURCES
Since the Richmond Parkway is a regional facility, funding streams paid for by regional users should be considered. Potential future funding sources may include a new sales tax, regional measure, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), and/or Benefit Assessment District. These options are described on the following pages. These tools could provide long-term, stable funding sources for priority strategies that require ongoing efforts, such as maintenance.
Electeds and staff at the City of Richmond, Contra Costa County, and WCCTC will need to continue to advocate for project inclusion in future expenditure plans.
Faded crosswalk and degraded pavement at Goodrick Avenue and Richmond Parkway.
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Regional Measures
Potential Regional Transportation Measure for 2026 A new transportation revenue measure for the Bay Area is being crafted and may be on a future ballot as early as November 2026. The measure is expected to generate at least $1 billion annually and is currently considering a wide range of options for its revenue source.
Source: Toll station, East Bay Times (2023) Walking and Biking Safety Maintenance Driving and Goods Movement Transit A new Bay Area-wide regional measure such as a sales tax, property tax, or increased tolls could fund transportation projects included in an Expenditure Plan.
Potential Sponsors: Metropolitan Transportation Commission Contra Costa Transportation Authority Applicable Strategy Categories:
Transportation Sales Tax
A new Contra Costa transportation sales tax would generate stable funding for capital and operating uses laid out in an Expenditure Plan. Approval of the sales tax requires a ballot measure with two-thirds voter support.
Potential Sponsors: Contra Costa Transportation Authority City of Richmond Applicable Strategy Categories: Contra Costa County Measure J In November 2004, Contra Costa voters approved Measure J with a 71% vote. The measure provided for the continuation of the county’s half-cent transportation sales tax for 25 more years beyond the original expiration date of 2009. The tax revenues fund a voter- approved Expenditure Plan of transportation programs and projects. Measure C, the precursor to Measure J passed in 1988, was used to construct the Parkway.
Source: Smart Signal Project, Contra Costa Transportation Authority (2024) Walking and Biking Safety Maintenance Driving and Goods Movement Transit Public Health Implementation and Funding | 89
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RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Benefits Assessment Districts (BADs)
Hilltop Landscape Maintenance Assessment District The City of Richmond’s Hilltop Landscape Maintenance Assessment District provides maintenance and servicing of landscaping in three zones located in the northern area of Richmond. This section of Lakeside Drive just south of Richmond Parkway is part of the District and serviced by this Benefit Assessment District.
Source: Lakeside Drive, Google Maps (2022) Maintenance BADs are established for specific geographic areas to receive special benefits from public improvements and services, such as lighting and landscaping. Districts are funded through a property assessment and require majority voter approval from impacted property owners.
Sufficient development is required to establish a BAD, so this would not be a comprehensive funding option for the corridor. Potential Sponsors:
City of Richmond Contra Costa County Applicable Strategy Categories: Public Health
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD)
City of Placentia/County of Orange EIFD The City of Placentia and County of Orange formed the first city and county partnership EIFD in 2019. The EIFD was formed to fund transit-supportive and housing-supportive infrastructure in the communities to the north and south of the upcoming Placentia Metrolink Station.
Source: Placentia Metrolink Station rendering, City of Placentia EIFD StoryMap, SCAG (2024) Walking and Biking EIFDs allow for a separate government entity to be created by a city and/or county within a defined area to finance infrastructure projects with community-wide benefits. EIFDs use tax increment financing to reallocate a portion of future property taxes to fund infrastructure projects, meaning this option does not increase taxes or require voter approval.
Further analysis is needed to understand the costs and benefits of this funding option. Potential Sponsors: Contra Costa County City of Richmond Applicable Strategy Categories:
Maintenance Transit Public Health RICHMOND PARKWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
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