Hayward Council Approves $1.2M Planning Grant for Mission Boulevard High‑Injury Network Study
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Summary
Council approved a consent calendar that includes $1.2 million in federal planning funds for a High Injury Network study covering Mission Boulevard; public speakers urged piloting protective measures rather than additional studies, and staff said the FHWA grant is for 35% design and outreach, not construction.
The Hayward City Council voted Jan. 27 to approve a $1.2 million planning grant for the High Injury Network study that includes Mission Boulevard, part of the council's consent calendar.
Members of the public — including Ahmed Shroab and local advocates from Bike Hayward — urged the council to prioritize on‑the‑ground pilot projects rather than additional studies. "So I'm very supportive of the initiative," Ahmed Shroab said, adding he would like to see funds used for pilot programs rather than more studies.
City staff clarified the grant is a Federal Highway Administration planning award intended to reach 35% conceptual design, produce refined cost estimates and conduct community outreach; it is not an implementation or construction grant. Byron Tang, principal transportation engineer, told council the planning phase produces the design and cost data necessary to pursue later funding for final design, right‑of‑way and construction.
Several public speakers cited past studies and safety incidents on Mission Boulevard and urged quicker testing of designs. Council members said they supported using the planning phase to position the city for implementation funding and asked staff to pursue pilot opportunities when possible.
The consent calendar, containing the planning appropriation and other items, passed unanimously.
