Campbell accepts feasibility study recommending fully separated "southern route" for Hamilton Avenue/SR‑17 bicycle overcrossing and authorizes Measure B grant

The Campbell City Council on Feb. 3 accepted a final feasibility study recommending a fully grade‑separated "southern route" for a bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing at Hamilton Avenue and State Route 17, then authorized Measure B grant applications to fund the next phase of work.

The study, presented by Public Works Director Amy Olay and consultant John Pashiotti of HMH Engineers, evaluated four build alternatives and a no‑build option. The southern route—designed to provide physical separation from vehicle traffic, flatter grades preferred by cyclists, and avoidance of several ramp conflicts—ranked highest across safety, user experience and alignment with community input, though it is the most costly option.

John Pashiotti summarized the community feedback and technical evaluation, saying safety emerged as the top priority from more than 400 survey respondents and stakeholder meetings. Staff noted the preferred alternative was also the option most compatible with Caltrans' preference for grade separation.

Council members pressed staff on technical and funding issues during a detailed Q&A. Staff said ADA requirements set a maximum longitudinal grade of 5 percent but that cyclists typically prefer 2–3 percent for comfort; that the southern route can be designed to meet ADA standards by lengthening the alignment; and that the route could be located on Caltrans property or created by future dedications depending on design choices.

A public commenter, Susan Landry, urged caution about costs and said crossing Hamilton today is hazardous: "It is take your life in your hands trying to cross that street there." Councilmembers acknowledged the high cost and the likelihood the city will need substantial grant funding plus a local match to advance the project.

Council unanimously adopted a resolution accepting the feasibility study and directed staff to pursue the Caltrans project initiation document (PID) process and competitive grant programs. Staff said the PID process (required by Caltrans for projects on the state highway system) typically takes about 12 months and that grant programs can require a local match ranging from roughly 10% to 30% depending on the program.

Next steps: staff will prepare and submit a Measure B PID grant application (staff estimated a $500,000 PID request) and pursue other funding sources. Any final design and construction will require Caltrans approvals and additional local funding commitments.