Cross Alameda Trail Feasibility Study

Overview
In Dec. 2003, the City of Alameda was awarded a grant from the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) to conduct a feasibility study for the Cross Alameda Trail, with the intent that it would ultimately be designated as part of the Bay Trail.

The proposed Trail alignment would approximate the route of the former Alameda Belt Line Railroad, extending from the entrance to Alameda Point at its west end to Tilden Way at its east end, a distance of about 3.5 miles. The Trail would enhance access to key destination points along the northern portion of Alameda’s main island by providing improved bicycling and pedestrian facilities in this corridor. It would also serve as a recreational facility.

Wide Range of Trail Users Expected
Commuter bicyclists often prefer routes that are direct and require sharing the street with traffic, while Recreational bicyclists are often more concerned with scenic qualities and low traffic volumes. To meet the needs of all types of users, the Feasibility Study includes 4 proposed options: one "Commuter Alignment" and three "Recreational Alignments"

• 1 Commuter Alignment - utilizes existing and proposed bike lanes, and is located primarily on a street with significant traffic volumes, including truck traffic.

• 3 Recreational Alignments - one long-term along the shoreline, two interim Recreational Alignment options on parallel streets with lower traffic volumes.

Sidewalks are available for pedestrians adjacent to all on-street routes.

Maps Available for Review

Click on Numbered Sections to See Detail

Western Portion

Eastern Portion

See overview (above) for explanation of map terms. For sections 1, 2, 3 and part of section 4, the proposed multi-use path will serve as both the Commuter and Recreational alignment. The directness of the route and presence of few street crossings in this section would make it convenient for Commuter bicyclists, while the separation from traffic makes it attractive to Recreational users. The proposed 12' width should be sufficient to minimize conflict between the various types of Trail users.

Downloadable Draft Feasibility Study
The draft feasibility study is available for your review below. The study will be presented for review at the following meetings, which all include an opportunity for public comment:

Transportation Commission                       February 23, 2005

Recreation and Parks Commission                 March 10, 2005 (tentative)

Planning Board                                  April 25, 2005 (tentative)

City Council                                    To Be Announced

If you would like to submit comments in writing regarding the draft feasibility study, please send them via email to: bbergman@ci.alameda.ca.us . You may also submit comments in hard copy form to:

Barry Bergman
Public Works Department
950 West Mall Square, Room 110
Alameda, CA 94501

All comments should be submitted no later than Friday, April 15, 2005.

                          DRAFT FEASIBILITY STUDY

                             TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter I – Background (pdf, 50 k)
Chapter II – History (pdf, 22 k)
Chapter III – Relationship to Adopted Plans (pdf, 52 k)
Chapter IV – Corridor Land Use and Trail (pdf, 60 k)
Chapter V – Potential Alignment Options and Constraints (pdf, 1654 k)
Chapter VI – Trail Design Characteristics (pdf, 331 k)
Chapter VII – Cost Estimates (pdf, 29 k)
Chapter VIII – Trail Management Plan (pdf, 27 k)
Appendix A – Alignment Sheets
Appendix B – Shoreline Access Areas Connecting to the Trail (pdf, 717 k)
Appendix C – Alternative Pavement Markings for Shared Roadway Facilities (pdf, 41 k)
Appendix D – Trail Cross-Sections