Transportation Authority advances funding package for Yerba Buena Island multiuse pathway and authorizes Westside Bridal construction amendments

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority on Sept. 9 approved a cluster of actions to advance the Yerba Buena Island multiuse pathway and related Treasure Island roadwork, including seeking $16.25 million in RM3 (Regional Measure 3) bridge-toll funds, programming $1.374 million from the state's SB1 Local Partnership Program formula share, and authorizing added construction funding and consultant amendments for the Westside Bridal seismic retrofit (a project that supports the multiuse pathway).

Anna LaFort, deputy director for policy and programming, said the RM3 allocation requires a board resolution demonstrating compliance with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's RM3 policies; staff presented the resolution requested to enable an MTC allocation. LaFort said RM3 funds previously awarded to the Bay Skyway program included a $16.25 million element for the Yerba Buena Island multiuse pathway segment 4 (the Treasure Island Road improvements).

Carl Holmes, deputy director, described revisions to the project scope and the plan to accelerate design for segment 4. Holmes said the project team was pursuing a "plan B" after an unsuccessful Solutions for Congested Corridors grant application: the board would proceed with an accelerated design and construction schedule for segment 4 and use additional funds redirected from other project elements to construct a one-way protected downhill bicycle facility for a short segment while continuing to pursue funding for the full multiuse path.

On the Westside Bridal portion of the program, staff asked the board to authorize an additional construction allotment of $9,635,000 and to approve consultant contract amendments: a $200,000 amendment to WMH Corporation and a $665,000 amendment to WSP USA Inc. Holmes said the additional funds will be used to upgrade a previously planned Class 2 bicycle facility to a Class 1 multiuse path in some areas, add retaining walls, a joint trench for utilities and other seismic retrofit work.

The board adopted the RM3 resolution to allow staff to submit allocation materials to MTC and approved programming of the SB1 LPP formula funds to the segment 4 project. The motion to program the SB1 funds carried with 10 ayes (Commissioner Chan absent); staff noted parallel steps are required with the California Transportation Commission to finalize SB1 programming and with MTC for RM3 allocations.

Rachel Clyde of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition testified in support of the multiuse pathway funding, saying the path will connect the Bay Bridge people-path, Yerba Buena Island and Treasure Island and providing active-transportation access as new housing on the islands grows.

Why it matters: The actions change the project's near-term funding posture and advance design and procurement so construction can begin next summer if subsequent funding allocations and permitting proceed as planned.

Decisions and amounts (as described at the meeting): additional construction allotment for Westside Bridal $9,635,000; consultant amendments $200,000 (WMH Corp.) and $665,000 (WSP USA Inc.); staff authorized to submit an RM3 allocation request for $16,250,000; programming $1,374,000 in SB1 LPP formula funds toward multiuse pathway segment 4.

Next steps: Staff will submit RM3 allocation materials to MTC, request SB1 programming with the California Transportation Commission, finalize design, advertise contracts and seek construction awards to begin construction in summer 2026 if allocations are confirmed.