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AC Transit outlines McDonald/Cutting Blvd. transit upgrades — signal priority, bus bulbs and shelters; public workshop March 13
Summary
AC Transit presented proposed transit improvements on McDonald Avenue and Cutting Boulevard, including transit signal priority, bus‑stop relocations, bus bulbs, shelters and ADA upgrades; the agency will hold a 65% design public workshop March 13 and aims to start construction in August.
AC Transit representatives told the Richmond City Council they are designing a package of transit and pedestrian improvements along McDonald Avenue and Cutting Boulevard that will include transit signal priority, relocated stops (favoring far‑side placements where safer), bus bulbs, new shelters at high‑ridership stops, ADA curb upgrades and improved signal coordination.
Ryan Lau, AC Transit external affairs representative, said the agency is focusing on passenger safety and on-time performance. “We are providing transit improvements across McDonald and Cutting…a variety of different signal improvements, signal coordination, the ability for our buses to communicate with those signals to improve transit operations, ADA improvements, and general rider amenities like bus shelters and bus benches,” Lau said.
AC Transit’s consultants explained elements under consideration: - Transit signal priority and vehicle/pedestrian detection to reduce unnecessary cycle time and to help buses move through signalized intersections; improvements are also intended to support emergency-vehicle signal use. - Bus bulbs (platforms extending into the travel lane) to reduce delay when buses reenter traffic and to provide space for shelters. - Shelters at high‑ridership stops, benches, and ADA curb ramps and tactile strips at corners. - A traffic study near the Del Norte BART area to improve coordination at the regional transit hub that serves multiple operators.
Timeline and outreach: AC Transit said design work began in October and will continue through April; the agency plans a 65% design public workshop on March 13 (4 p.m.–7 p.m., Richmond Memorial Auditorium). Construction procurement is planned after design, with an anticipated construction window beginning in August and finishing the following May. The project team said many improvements are funded by state and federal grants and noted coordination with Caltrans for portions of Cutting Boulevard that cross state highway right-of-way.
Public comment: Resident Cordell Henler spoke in support of shelters and benches and thanked the agency for prioritizing rider comfort and safety.
What happens next: AC Transit will incorporate feedback from neighborhood meetings and the March 13 workshop into the 65% design, finalize environmental clearance and proceed to procurement and construction scheduling.
