Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Newell Avenue topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Transportation Commission backs TDA application for Newell Avenue bike improvements
Summary
The Walnut Creek Transportation Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council submit the Newell Avenue Improvements project for county Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 funding. Staff described buffered and raised bike lanes, an intersection scramble at Broadway, and an estimated $180,000 project cost.
The Walnut Creek Transportation Commission voted to recommend that the City Council submit the Newell Avenue Improvements project for consideration by the county Transportation Development Act Article 3 subcommittee.
Rashad Culver, an associate engineer in the cityCIP department, told commissioners the project would add dedicated bicycle facilities along Newell Avenue from the city limit to Broadway, including street-level buffered lanes and raised bike lanes at sidewalk elevation. The plan also calls for intersection treatments at Broadway and Newell, including a scramble phase that would allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross diagonally, removal of a right-turn slip lane, and the installation of bollards to narrow vehicular travel lanes.
"We would like dedicated bike lanes, both at street level with a raised buffer as well as raised bike lanes, which put the cyclists at sidewalk elevation," Culver said.
Culver said the Broadway intersection improvements are funded through an OBAC 3 grant but the corridor work requires additional construction funding, and the city intends to request approximately $100,000 in TDA funds to cover a substantial share of construction costs. He presented a project estimate of about $180,000 total, with roughly $145,000 toward construction and $35,000 for design, administration and contingency.
Local bicyclist Tony Almeida, who said he has commuted on Newell for more than a decade, urged the commission to consider westbound segments where he described fast-moving traffic and frequent right-turning vehicles. "The westbound direction, especially from South Main to California, is pretty hairy," Almeida said, describing a pattern of fast traffic and crowded right lanes.
Commissioners asked staff to involve major stakeholders (including nearby schools and Kaiser) as the design advances. After discussion the commission moved and seconded a recommendation that the City Council submit the Newell Avenue Improvements project for the 2026-27 TDA Article 3 call for projects; the motion passed on a roll call vote. Recorded votes: Student Commissioner Kirsch, Aye; Commissioner Ash, Aye; Commissioner Patch, Aye; Vice Chair Krelling, absent; Chair Brightman, Aye.
Staff said the city currently funds the project through traffic impact fees and that winning TDA construction funds would free local funds for other bicycle and pedestrian projects. The commission provided support and directed staff to continue outreach and design work as the grant application proceeds.
The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration and, if approved, to the county TDA subcommittee for final allocation decisions.
