City staff presented the 30% design for the Pacific Avenue Greenway to the Bicycle Advisory Board and sought final comments before advancing to full design and funding. The project aims to connect the University District Gateway Bridge through East Sprague to the Ben Burr Trail with a mix of neckdowns, shared-use path and crossing improvements.

Staff said phase 1 (Washington to Sherman) is funded and out to bid for construction next spring; signals at Browman and Division are included to add bike/pedestrian activation at what staff called some of the city’s highest-risk crossings near the House of Charity. The 30% design for phase 2 favors neck-down traffic calming on approaches and a shared-use path under the Hamilton Overpass to Sprague Way, with crossings and curb extensions at key intersections.

Project consultants (KPFF and TOUL design) returned with an alternate bridge option that would angle ramps beginning midway down Pacific Avenue to cross Sprague Way. Staff said the consultant estimated the prefabricated-bridge option could reduce costs compared with a conventional bridge; the consultant gave an illustrative estimate — “it would bring it down to, like, 8 to 10,000,000,” a staff speaker relayed — compared with a higher conventional estimate.

Why this matters: the alignment decision affects long-term usability for bicyclists and pedestrians and the project’s timeline and cost. Board members noted a prefabricated bridge could raise long-term usability even if it raises near-term costs and could delay delivery. Staff asked board members to review the memo in the meeting packet and submit final comments to the project liaison; staff said this 30% design is needed to secure final design and construction funding.

No formal board vote was taken; staff requested comments and said they will incorporate feedback before pursuing final design funding.