Alameda council approves phased traffic‑calming package for Fernside, delays any permanent left‑turn ban pending data

Alameda’s City Council on Nov. 18 approved a phased traffic‑calming program for the Fernside neighborhood designed to slow speeds, improve crossings and gather evidence before making longer-term changes.

The council approved staff’s near‑term package of quick‑build improvements — including temporary curb-tightening, demonstration roundabouts at two skewed intersections and several speed humps — and authorized $200,000 in general funds for the demonstration work. Instead of immediately implementing a temporary left‑turn restriction from Gibbons Drive to High Street, the council directed staff to install the quick‑build measures, collect traffic and safety data afterward, and return to the council with options for a pilot based on those results; the final motion passed 4–1.

Why it mattered The Gibbons–Fernside–High intersection is one of the city’s most complex and frequently discussed locations: transit, school walking routes and a planned two‑way protected bikeway on Fernside all converge there. Staff told the council that reconfiguring the intersection could shorten pedestrian crossings and reduce speeds, but that some long‑term designs would change traffic patterns across the neighborhood.

“What we’re recommending tonight is to approve and fund quick‑build traffic calming in the neighborhood around Gibbons Drive, followed by long‑term data collection and planning for the Fernside project,” said Lisa Foster, Alameda’s transportation planning manager, in the council presentation. Consultants from Parametrics showed models indicating safety improvements from some reconfigurations but also potential spillover of cut‑through drivers onto narrower residential streets.

Community reaction The council heard more than 30 public commenters on the item. Many residents who live on narrow side streets said a closure or left‑turn prohibition would force too much traffic onto streets that lack sidewalks and marked crossings. “Closing Gibbons will make our neighborhood less safe,” said multiple speakers during public comment, citing modeling that anticipates large percentage increases in traffic on streets such as Beao (Bea) Vista and Cornell Drive.

Advocates for the staff plan urged the council to allow the demonstration to proceed so the city can measure real‑world effects rather than rely on projections. “It is a pilot. If it’s not working, it can be ended,” said Maria Piper, who told the council she supports testing a left‑turn restriction after the quick‑build measures are in place.

Council decision and next steps Council Member Tracy Jensen moved the amended approach; Vice Mayor Michelle Prior seconded. The motion passed 4–1 with Council Member Desag voting no. The approved sequence instructs staff to: - Implement quick‑build neighborhood calming (bulb‑outs, demonstration roundabouts and speed humps) and temporary ADA curb ramps where possible; - After the quick‑build measures are in place, conduct a focused data collection program on traffic volumes, speeds and diversion patterns; and - Return to the council with the collected evidence and concrete options, which may include a time‑limited pilot of a left‑turn restriction, further modifications, or no change.

The council’s approach preserves the longer‑term Fernside bikeway concept while making the immediate neighborhood improvements that staff says will reduce speeds and improve crossings. Staff estimated the study and pilot sequencing would run into 2028–2030 depending on grant funding and consultant schedules.

Votes at a glance - Item: 7B — Quick‑build traffic calming + data collection; adopt resolution to appropriate $200,000 for near‑term measures. Motion moved by: Council Member Jensen. Seconded by: Vice Mayor Prior. Outcome: Approved 4–1 (Yes: Jensen, Prior, Bowler, Mayor Ashcraft; No: Council Member Desag).

Council will consider the data and any pilot proposal before taking action that would permanently restrict access or change signal phasing at the intersection.