Transportation | Contra Costa Herald

Highway 4 construction related lane closures, week of July 16-22, 2016

July 16, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

HIGHWAY LANE CLOSURES:

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between Somersville Road/ Auto Center Drive and Railroad Ave. on Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 between Bailey Road and the State Route 4 / State Route 160 connector ramp on Monday through Friday from 4:30 am to 12:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 between L Street / Contra Loma Boulevard and the State Route 4 / State Route 160 connector ramp on Monday through Friday from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am.

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between L Street / Contra Loma Boulevard and the State Route 4 / State Route 160 connector ramp on Monday through Friday from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am.

LOCAL STREET CLOSURES:

There will be lane closures in the eastbound and westbound directions of Larkspur Drive between Hillcrest Avenue and Wildflower Drive on Saturday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

There will be lane closures in the northbound and southbound directions of Hillcrest Avenue between Larkspur Drive and Sunset Drive on Saturday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

There will be lane closures in the northbound and southbound directions of A Street/Lone Tree Way between Rossi Avenue and E. Tregallas Road on Saturday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

There will be lane closures in the northbound and southbound directions of Somersville Road / Auto Center Drive between Delta Fair Boulevard and Century Boulevard on Saturday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

For questions or comments please send e-mail to info@4eastcounty.org.

BART unveils, begins testing new DMU train for upcoming service to Antioch

July 2, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

A two-car eBART train undergoes testing in the middle of Highway 4 between Hillcrest Avenue and A Street/Lone Tree Way on Friday evening, July 1st. photo by Allen Payton

First of many tests over the next two years

The BART to Antioch Extension Project marked another important milestone Thursday morning, June 30th, with BART unveiling its sleek new diesel-powered trains, soon to be seen linking Pittsburg/Bay Point and Antioch down Highway 4’s median.

“We’ve been working on the arrival of BART to this part of the Bay Area for years, so it’s both thrilling and a bit surreal to finally be here aboard these amazing new vehicles,” said BART Director Joel Keller. “We couldn’t have made BART to Antioch happen without the long-term dedication of East County residents, and the commitment of the many leaders at the local, regional, state, and federal levels who came alongside us to help turn this visionary project into reality.”

The new train cars will run on separate tracks extending past the existing Pittsburg/Bay Point Station, and are a different type than those arriving in BART’s new Fleet of the Future. This Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was chosen to bring rail service to East County residents while remaining cost-effective; the $525 million, 10-mile extension to Antioch is 60% less expensive than conventional BART. Stations for the new service will be located along Highway 4 near the Railroad Ave. intersection in Pittsburg and the Hillcrest Ave. intersection in Antioch, with all eight new vehicles set to arrive by this December prior to a year of state-mandated testing for safety and functionality.

A two-car eBART train could be seen undergoing testing in the middle of Highway 4 heading westbound from Hillcrest Avenue, about 6:15 p.m. Friday evening, July 1st.

“This is an exciting milestone with the first testing of the train on the tracks,” Keller added in a brief interview. “We’re still shooting for a May, 2018 opening, once we get the state approvals. This is the first of many tests.”

The new train cars, rated the most environmentally friendly out of all diesel-powered trains, will be able to move an estimated 2,400 people per hour during commute times, and boast a variety of amenities including six digital signs per vehicle (with multiple language support), automated audio announcements, clear station arrival / destination signage, and modern climate control systems. Daily ridership of the BART extension to Antioch is expected to exceed 10,100 by 2030 through the Highway 4 corridor, with an initial expected daily ridership of 5,600.

BART to Antioch is part of the nearly-complete Highway 4 Widening Project, which expands Highway 4 from four to eight lanes between Loveridge Road in Pittsburg to just west of State Route 160 in Antioch, and from two to four lanes from Lone Tree Way in Oakley to Balfour Road in Brentwood. The project provides greater mobility and access to multi-modal transportation, not only expanding lanes and building missing connector ramps at the State Route 160 interchange, but also providing funds for BART to Antioch.

The project has been carefully staged to keep the daily traffic of 130,000 cars moving, even as major construction and demolition work continue.

“The arrival of these new BART vehicles and the beginning of testing is a visible reminder of the progress being made to further economic growth and improve access to jobs and vital services for East County’s 250,000 residents,” said Dave Hudson, Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. “The Highway 4 Widening and BART to Antioch projects would not have been possible without either the backing of Contra Costa voters in 2004, or the help of partner agencies. We look forward to continued public support for additional innovations and improvements on the Highway 4 corridor in the future.”

Average travel time between stations is expected to be seven minutes between Antioch and Pittsburg Stations, and three minutes between Pittsburg and Pittsburg/Bay Point Stations. The new stations will use the same BART fare collection machines and gates used elsewhere in the BART system, with full service set to begin winter 2017/2018.

For more information visit the project page.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Highway 4 construction lane closures and traffic information, June 11-17, 2016

June 11, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

FULL FREEWAY CLOSURES:

There are no full freeway closures of State Route 4 planned for this week.

HIGHWAY LANE CLOSURES:

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between Hillcrest Avenue and Bailey Road on Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 between Bailey Road and Hillcrest Avenue on Monday through Friday from 4:30 am to 12:00 pm.

RAMP CLOSURES:

There are no ramp closures of State Route 4 planned for this week.

LOCAL STREET CLOSURES:

There will be lane closures in the eastbound and westbound directions of Sunset Drive between Hillcrest Avenue and Devpar Court on Saturday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

There will be lane closures in the northbound and southbound directions of A Street / Lone Tree Way between Rossi Avenue and E. Tregallas Road on Saturday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

For questions or comments please send e-mail to info@4eastcounty.org.

I-680 Walnut Creek to San Ramon – Nighttime Ramp Closures, June 13 – July 1

June 11, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Summary

Upcoming construction activity for the Express Lanes on I-680 between Walnut Creek and San Ramon requires temporary, nighttime ramp closures. The construction activity will include the excavation and paving of maintenance vehicle pullouts on the ramp shoulders. Once complete, the vehicle pullouts will create a safer environment for highway maintenance crews.

Due to the dynamic nature of this work, the ramp closures are scheduled to occur intermittently Monday, June 13 through Friday, July 1 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The ramp closures will be intermittent and will alternate as work is completed.

The following ramp closures are scheduled:

The southbound Rudgear Road on-ramp
The northbound Stone Valley Road off-ramp
The northbound El Cerro Boulevard on-ramp
The southbound Bollinger Canyon Road on-ramp

What to Expect

In addition to the ramp closures, intermittent and alternating nightly closures will occur in the northbound and southbound directions in the lanes closest to the median, and in the lane closest to the shoulder from Martinez to Dublin. Approved construction work hours are: Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. – 5 a.m., Friday from 8 p.m. – 7 a.m., Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Construction crews will be present on some city streets during the day near I-680 from Martinez to Dublin with temporary and minor pedestrian detours to maintain public safety.
Construction lighting will be present and directed away from residential areas.
When traveling near construction activity
- Always use caution
- Be prepared to reduce speeds
- Follow posted signs

Ramp Closure Detour Routes

Southbound Rudgear Road on-ramp: Enter northbound I-680 from Rudgear Rd, continue on northbound I-680, exit at Olympic Blvd., head west on Olympic Blvd., and enter southbound I-680.
Northbound Stone Valley Road off-ramp: Continue on northbound I-680, exit at the Livorna Rd. off-ramp, head west on Livorna Rd., enter southbound I-680, and exit at the Stone Valley Rd. off-ramp.
Northbound El Cerro Boulevard on-ramp: Enter southbound I-680, continue on southbound I-680, exit at Diablo Rd., head east on Diablo Rd, and enter northbound I-680.
Southbound Bollinger Canyon Road on-ramp: Enter northbound I-680, continue on northbound I-680, exit at Crow Canyon Rd., head west on Crow Canyon Rd., and enter southbound I-680.

Construction is a dynamic process and information is subject to change without notice. Please use caution while traveling through the construction zone.

Contra Costa Transportation Authority releases draft 30-year transportation funding plan

May 19, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Board Unanimously Adopts Visionary Transportation Expenditure Plan; Business and Environmental Groups Declare Support

Walnut Creek, CA – The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board unanimously adopted a transformative plan for the next 30 years at last night’s board meeting.

The proposed $2.9 billion Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP) is the culmination of months of extensive public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and advocate input. The plan focuses on innovative strategies and new technologies to promote a strong economy, protect the environment, and enhance the quality of life for all of Contra Costa’s diverse communities.

“We have moved from a Measure C, which started us on a path of tying transportation and development. That was the first big step. Then Measure J went further along that line,” said CCTA Commissioner and Danville Councilmember Newell Arnerich. “That’s why we are sitting here tonight talking about trying to do something different. We are putting more money than we ever have – in real dollars – into bike and pedestrian projects. And we are going to do it in a smart way. I know people want to define transformative in different ways – this is a big deal.

“This plan is the result of serious thought, care and effort to take into account the vast array of input that we’ve had, and to make compromises and stretch in areas that are uncomfortable,” said CCTA Commissioner and Pleasant Hill Councilmember David Durant. “It’s an honor to be here with this group of people, working on something like this. This process is the most inclusive that I’ve ever seen.”

The proposed plan contains unprecedented funding for new technologies and for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in every part of the county. It commits substantial funding to improve BART service, increase access to BART stations, and add new BART cars. It also significantly increases direct funding to local municipalities to maintain and repair local streets and roads.

At the meeting, advocates for the business, environment, and disabled communities spoke up in support of the plan and thanked the board for their leadership and inclusiveness in its development.

“The process has been very inclusionary and considerate,” said Debbie Toth, Executive Director of Rehabilitation Services of Northern California. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support that we’ve had in the arena of accessible transportation for everyone.”

“We are in support of the proposed plan,” said Dave Campbell, Advocacy Director of Bike East Bay. “Thank you for your support for better bicycling!”

“The goal of this measure is to improve transportation and to improve mobility – the movement of people and goods in Contra Costa County. There are significant improvements [in the plan] that will be made by this measure across modes,” said Kristin Connelly, President and CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council.

The plan will now be presented to each of the cities for review and approval, before a final plan is adopted by the Board and then submitted to the Board of Supervisors for final approval and submission to the November 2016 ballot.

“There is $117 million for East County Corridor projects,” said Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick. “Right now there is a $17 million improvement for Vasco Road. We don’t have the money to build a brand new four-lane freeway. It’s about a $1 billion project.”

“Sure we can get some state and federal matching funds. But not unless we put in a whole lot ourselves,” he added. “It will help us eliminate the cul-de-sac feeling we’re experiencing, now.”

“The people who spoke to us said get the trucks off Camino Diablo and out of downtown Byron,” he added. “So that became the top priority. We will make safety improvements to Vasco Road and the Byron Highway.”

Chair of Transplan, the East County division of the CCTA, Doug Hardcastle said, “While the plan doesn’t include funds for Route 239 from Brentwood to Tracy, the $117 million is a very nice first step. It’s been something in the plans for over 40 years.”

“Armstrong to Vasco will be a new road and will be a catalyst for bringing jobs to the Byron Airport and area,” he added.

No other region in the county is collecting a developer fee for the state and federal highways, like East County has been for the past 25 years. Those funds have helped pay for the Highway 4 Bypass and other regional roads. It is currently $20,000 per new home. Suggestions have been made to Concord that they also collect a developer fee on the new homes that are planned for the reuse of the Concord Naval Weapons Station to help pay for improvements to Highways 4 and 242.

About The Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Sen. Glazer says BART union agreement is “positive step forward”

April 15, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

State Senator Steve Glazer released the following statement, this week, about the agreement the BART has entered with its labor unions:

“About 60 days ago, 40 state and local elected leaders joined me in sending a letter to the BART Board and their unions calling on them to take steps to restore the public’s trust in the financial management of the BART system.

Specifically, we asked that BART negotiate an extension to its labor contract that would ensure that the trains would keep running without a work stoppage for the next five years and to do so in a financially responsible way.

Given what we know today, this proposed agreement takes a positive step forward in delivering on those requirements. If approved by the unions and the BART Board, we can be confident that there will be continuous train operations for the next five years without debilitating strikes.

The BART unions and management should be commended for doing this.

Strikes are too debilitating for BART riders and commuters. That is why transit strikes are banned in New York, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston and San Francisco.

There is still much more that BART should do to raise the level of confidence in the financial and operational management of the system. And I encourage them to continue the momentum with these confidence-building steps.

They are:

Do not apply these cost of living raises to highly-paid managers. Their pay should be based on merit, not a “Me Too” clause.
Commit to undertaking a salary study before the expiration of the next contract so that that we can closely examine each position’s compensation with the marketplace.
Set up a capital depreciation fund so that savings for repair and replacement is funded every year rather than in a balloon payment through new bond proposals.
Present clear projections of retirement costs and how they will be funded.
Support legislation banning future BART strikes.
Explore ways to train replacement managers to operate the system in the case of future work stoppages.

The financial elements of this proposed deal are not what I would have negotiated. BART workers are highly paid and system financial needs are great. However, I respect the collective bargaining process, and even if I disagree with some of the financial terms, I appreciate that compromise is required to bring all parties together.

This proposed contract represents the start of a turnaround for BART. We were going down the tracks, these past few years, in a very negative direction. The actions today have stopped that negative train and we are now heading in a positive direction. Let’s keep that momentum going with the confidence building steps that I have outlined.”

Glazer represents most of Contra Costa County in the California State Senate.

Rep. DeSaulnier, MTC Commissioner Amy Worth support BART labor agreement, Glazer will study it

April 13, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

On Monday, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement on the agreement between Bart and the transit unions:

“I am grateful a tentative agreement has been reached between Bart and the transit unions. If approved, there will be no interruptions in services for Bay Area commuters. I look forward to reviewing full details of the 5-year deal with an eye towards the long-term financial stability and sustainability of Bart. On the federal level, I will continue to advocate for meaningful performance standards for transit agencies to ensure the public is getting its value.”

Orinda City Councilmember Amy Rein Worth, who serves on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) as the representative of the cities of Contra Costa County, on Monday issued this statement following the announcement of a tentative agreement between BART management and labor leaders:

“This morning BART announced a tentative agreement with its labor unions to extend BART labor contracts until 2021.I am pleased to support this financially prudent agreement that provides security to BART workers and service reliability to the BART riding public.

BART is a critical part of the East Bay economy and is relied upon by hundreds of thousands of East Bay commuters.I am hopeful that this agreement portends a future without service disruptions not just for the next five years, but sets a tone for the future beyond as well.

The critical role of BART service goes far beyond those who depend on it for a ride each day, as we have learned; the East Bay highway and transit network is not able to replace BART during a strike or a service disruption, which is why this agreement is so important.

BART, its workers and the public now can focus on the important shared task of rebuilding the system as its major priority.

I am grateful to state Senator Steve Glazer and the other local elected leaders in the East Bay who urged both BART’s management and labor to keep faith with the riding public by negotiating a new labor contract that recognizes the fiscal needs of the system and ensures that trains will keep running on schedule throughout the system.”

However, State Senator Steve Glazer, a critic of BART spending and strikes by BART employees issued the following statement on the tentative agreement:

“I have just been given an outline of the proposed 2017-21 labor agreement. I look forward to reviewing the details of the agreement and its implications to commuters and taxpayers,” he stated. “I will be consulting today with the 40 elected officials who co-signed my letter urging that BART rebuild its public trust with concrete, fiscally responsible actions before the November elections when BART is expected to ask voters for a multi-billion dollar bond.”

Tassajara Road to be closed for seven months beginning May 2nd

April 12, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

According to an email on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, from Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, the City of Dublin will be closing Tassajara Road/Camino Tassajara Road near the Alameda County/Contra Costa County line from May through December. The extended closure is necessary in order to replace a failing culvert which runs under Tassajara Road. The replacement of this aging culvert will provide greater safety for motorists and will reduce the likelihood of emergency road closures in the future.

All regulatory permits have been secured for the replacement of Moller Creek Culvert on Tassajara Road. Signage will soon be posted to notify drivers that the road closure will begin on May 2, 2016.

This project will require a portion of Tassajara Road/Camino Tassajara to be closed between the May 2, 2016, start date and December 2016. The closure will block access along Tassajara Road, north of Fallon Road. Drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians will be unable to use Tassajara Road/Camino Tassajara to travel between Dublin and the San Ramon/Danville area for the duration of the work and will need to take alternate routes. Alternative routes include both Windemere Parkway and Bollinger Canyon Road. While through traffic will not be permitted, local residents will be allowed to access their properties from the north.

Emergency responders and service providers have been notified and will be prepared to provide services during the road closure.

Frequently Asked Questions, a map of the closure area with alternate routes, and updates on the project can be found by clicking here.

Please contact the City of Dublin Public Works at (925) 833-6630 with any questions you may have about this project.

Convenient, affordable jet service coming to Buchanan Field in Concord

April 6, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Contra Costa County Airports Welcomes JetSuiteX

Travelling from Contra Costa County to Southern California is just about to get much more convenient with the April launch of a new scheduled charter jet service out of Buchanan Field.

JetSuiteX, a new venture from private jet company JetSuite, will initially kick off service from Buchanan Field to Burbank round-trip up to three times daily later this month. A Friday flight to Las Vegas with a Sunday return will come later in April, offering a time-saving gateway for east bay residents looking for a quick weekend trip; additional routes may follow later this year.

“Contra Costa is delighted to welcome JetSuiteX to the Buchanan Field Airport, and provide our residents and businesses with a local travel option to Southern California and other desirable destinations,” said County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, whose district includes the airport. “Buchanan Field is an important County asset, and the new JetSuiteX scheduled charter service will offer more opportunities and services to the general public.”

Additional benefits come from the pure convenience of travel in and out of Buchanan Field. Not only are long TSA lines and crowded terminals avoided, but travelers can enjoy free parking and easy access off Highway 680 in Concord. For area residents, the flights between Burbank and Buchanan Field represent a fraction of the 300 daily flights now. Neighboring communities won’t have to worry about JetSuiteX overburdening the area with significantly more air traffic, and the fleet is among the quietest.

“We’re very excited about what this will provide to the community,” said Ron Reagan, Chairman of the Contra Costa County Aviation Advisory Committee that recommended approval of the new service. “It will allow Contra Costa residents to travel by air directly to their destinations throughout California.”

The County looks forward to partnering with JetSuiteX to provide a unique high-quality experience in a more convenient and cost-effective manner. Prices will be comparable to commercial flights, but you can make a single seat purchase on a modern, 30-seat private jet, making luxury travel more affordable to more people. For more information about the new service, visit www.JetSuite.com.

Buchanan Field is one of two airports operated by the County, the other being in Byron. The Airports Division is self-funded, and actually generates revenue for the County, schools and other community-related agencies. The Airports Division works with tenants at both Buchanan Field and Byron Airport to provide the community with a wide range of services, from flight schools to skydiving to private hangar rental. To find out more about the many opportunities at Contra Costa Airports, call 844-Fly-ToUs, or visit us online at www.ContraCostaAirports.org.

Bay Area Express Lanes: I-680 Construction Notice for April 2016

April 2, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Summary

In April, construction crews will continue installing the large overhead signs already visible throughout the corridor. Also, electrical work for the communications network will continue on some city streets.

Purpose

The overhead sign frames will support the future travel and toll information signs and the communications network will facilitate the transmission of data for the express lanes.

What to Expect

Intermittent and alternating nightly closures will occur in the northbound and southbound directions on I-680 from Walnut Creek to San Ramon in the lanes closest to the median and in the lane closest to the shoulder. Approved construction work hours are: Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. – 5 a.m., Friday from 8 p.m. – 7 a.m., Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m.
To support directional boring and the installation of conduit, the following ramp closures are scheduled for (detour routes below):

Southbound Alcosta Blvd. off-ramp is scheduled to be closed from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. each night, Monday, April 11 through Friday, April 15.
Northbound Stone Valley Rd. on-ramp is scheduled to be closed from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. each night, from Monday, April 11 through Friday, April 15.

To maintain a safe work zone, construction activity on San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Crow Canyon Road will require lane reductions and reduced speed limits, weekdays from April 4 through June 30, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Construction crews will be present on some city streets during the day near I-680 from Martinez to Dublin with temporary and minor pedestrian detours to maintain public safety.
Temporary k-rail, construction signage and orange plastic fencing will be present from Martinez to Dublin to maintain a safe work zone.
Construction lighting will be present and directed away from residential areas.

Construction is a dynamic process and information is subject to change without notice. Please use caution while traveling through the construction zone.

Ramp Closure Detours

Southbound Alcosta Blvd. off-ramp closure detour: Continue on I-680 southbound past Alcosta Blvd., Exit at Dublin Blvd., Enter I-680 northbound at Dublin Blvd., Continue northbound on I-680, and Exit at Alcosta Blvd.

Northbound Stone Valley Rd. on-ramp closure detour: At Stone Valley Road, Enter I-680 southbound, Exit at El Pintado Rd., and Enter I-680 northbound at El Pintado Rd.