Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Street Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Plan moves forward to signalize and redesign I‑280 southbound Ocean Avenue off‑ramp; cost estimated at $14–17 million
Summary
Staff presented a near‑final design to add a signal, an extra ramp lane for storage, protected bike lanes and wider sidewalks to improve safety at the I‑280 Ocean Avenue off‑ramp; staff expect 95% design this month and to return in fall for allocation requests.
Aliza Paz, principal transportation planner with the Transportation Authority, presented an informational update on the I‑280 southbound Ocean Avenue off‑ramp redesign, describing safety, design constraints and a projected construction cost.
The project area lies between City College, Lick‑Wilmerding High School and the Balboa Park BART and Muni stations. Paz said the existing single‑lane, uncontrolled off‑ramp allows high‑speed vehicle exits, limited visibility because of the ramp's curve and slope, and frequent pedestrian and bicyclist conflicts where the ramp meets Ocean Avenue.
"We're recommending to add a second lane to the off‑ramp and a new traffic signal," Paz said. She said the second lane is needed to store vehicles during red signals so traffic will not back up onto the mainline. The recommended design also includes upgraded, painted green bike lanes on the overpass, improved crosswalks and ADA ramps, conflict and wayfinding markings for bicycle connections, a protected on‑street bike lane continuing to House Street and a wider sidewalk along the City College edge to support a future shared path.
Design constraints: Paz said the rail tracks on Ocean Avenue are slightly elevated above street level, which limits options and makes left turns from the ramp infeasible without ripping up tracks. She said the project coordinates with nearby investments including the Balboa Reservoir and multiple Ocean Avenue corridor studies.
Costs and schedule: Paz said estimated construction costs are between $14,000,000 and $17,000,000. She said investigators expect minimal construction work along Ocean Avenue aside from sidewalk and bike‑lane work, and that Caltrans would manage construction on the ramp with possible short‑term ramp closures and detours. The project is nearing 95% design and staff expect to return in the fall to request additional allocation to finalize design and secure permits and funding.
Chair Mirna Melgar thanked staff and partner agencies, noting the ramp is at a district border with many people crossing to transit and schools and describing the location as dangerous. There was no public comment on the item.
No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational and staff will return with a funding request later in the year.
