Parker-Addison Mobility and Safety Improvements Project

Project Background

The Parker-Addison Mobility and Safety Improvements Project was created as a result of the Council approved Berkeley Bicycle Plan (2017) and Pedestrian Plan (2020) which identify and recommend infrastructure improvements to ensure all modes of transportation are safe, comfortable, and convenient for people of all ages and abilities. The primary goals of the project involve expanding the City’s interconnected network of bikeways, and connecting neighborhoods in the disadvantaged West Berkeley area to the North Berkeley BART rail station by way of a shared bikeway connection to the existing West Street Pathway. The new improvements will also connect West Berkeley with San Pablo Park and other green spaces.

The general scope of the project involves installation of bike boulevard infrastructure consisting of striping, pavement markings, and wayfinding signage along the length of the corridor. The Parker Addison Mobility and Safety Improvements project also includes new traffic circle construction, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), traffic calming, sidewalk, curb ramp construction, and striping. The project will also widen the existing ramp walkway located at the north end of the Strawberry Creek Park basketball courts, as well as two adjacent curb ramps located at both ends of the West Street cul-de-sac. Speed tables will be installed on Bonar Street, from Addison Street to Allston Way, as a result of a community-initiated traffic calming study performed by the Traffic Engineering Department.

The Parker-Addison Mobility and Safety Improvements project will provide one continuous bikeway network connecting West Berkeley to San Pablo Park, the North Berkeley BART station, and other key areas throughout Berkeley. Furthermore, the new bike boulevard on Parker Street will connect residents to the industrial and commercial areas of West Berkeley as well as to the existing Channing Way Bike Boulevard, Downtown Berkeley, the UC Berkeley campus, and other existing and proposed north-south Bicycle Boulevards, including several schools, parks and residential areas.

Existing Conditions

• Lack of infrastructure supporting bicyclists
• Low rate of motorists yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists
• Vehicles traveling at high speeds

Project Goals

• Increase safety and mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Connect West Berkeley to North Berkeley Bart station, Ohlone Greenway, and open green spaces including San Pablo Park and Strawberry Creek Park.
• Re-configure the intersections of Parker Street /9th Street and Bonar Street/ Channing Way to include new traffic circles.
• Install traffic calming devices along Bonar Street, between Allston Way and Addison Street.
• Close an existing sidewalk gap on Acton Street, between Parker Street and Carleton Street.