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Council approves 40th Street multimodal project description for environmental review amid business access concerns
Summary
Council approved release of the 40th Street multimodal project description for CEQA review, authorizing staff to publish environmental documents; the project is largely grant‑funded but drew public concern over street closures, truck access and notification to property owners.
After years of planning, Emeryville City Council voted to advance the 40th Street multimodal project to environmental review, approving a project description that would deliver 1.4 miles of separated Class 4 bikeways, transit‑only lanes, transit islands, pedestrian enhancements and partial closures at several unsignalized intersections.
Senior civil engineer Ryan O’Connell told the council the project is at 95% design and that staff has secured approximately $31.9 million in grants—about 94% of the estimated $34.1 million project cost. The project scope described in Attachment A includes lane realignments, pavement rehabilitation, green stormwater infrastructure, upgraded lighting and bus pad construction. O’Connell said technical memos—including a 12‑year collision history and a truck activity analysis—support the design and that typical 40‑foot trucks will retain access while larger trucks will coordinate with Public Works for plaza or encroachment access.
“Tonight, we are asking council to approve the project description… and direct staff to return the project to city council following environmental review,” O’Connell said. Staff said it expects a 45‑day public review period if required by CEQA, likely between late November 2025 and mid‑January 2026.
Public commenters were divided. Corey Boussay (vice chair, Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee) urged two design changes: a full scramble signal at Shellmound & Christie and converting a street‑level protected bikeway to a raised facility on Shellmound to meet clearance guidance. Sam Gold, a nearby resident, said the outreach and materials demonstrated clear safety benefits and noted the city's local contribution is under 6% because of grant funding. By contrast, several property and business representatives said they had not been notified, warned that closures (notably the Hubbard Street closure) would impede deliveries and customer access, and urged the council to reconsider elements of the design.
Council members acknowledged trade‑offs between moving people (buses, bikes, pedestrians) and vehicle access, highlighted safety benefits, and noted staff's truck maneuverability analysis. Member Solomon and Member Welch emphasized safety, regional connectivity and grant leverage. Mayor Mora moved to approve the project description and direct staff to proceed with environmental review; the motion carried with Council Member Pryforce recused.
The next steps are preparing the draft environmental document, conducting the public review (if required), responding to comments, and returning to council for final project consideration and construction contract award.
