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Commission endorses Pacific Avenue/Wilma Chan Way crossing design; staff recommends signal, median diverter and left‑side bikeway
Summary
The commission endorsed staff's three‑part design for the Pacific Avenue neighborhood greenway crossing at Wilma Chan Way: a median diverter, a full traffic signal (over a PHB) and a left‑side bikeway alignment after community engagement showed majority support.
The Alameda Transportation Commission voted to endorse a staff‑recommended design concept for the Pacific Avenue crossing of Wilma Chan Way that pairs a median diverter with a full traffic signal and a left‑side bikeway alignment.
Susie Hofstadter, senior transportation coordinator, said the three features together best meet project goals to improve safety, lower vehicle speeds and preserve Pacific Avenue as a low‑volume neighborhood greenway. "The diverter reduces conflicts and keeps traffic volumes low on Pacific Avenue," Hofstadter said, and staff recommended a traffic signal instead of a pedestrian hybrid beacon because the corridor's speed, curvature and multi‑lane configuration make a full signal less ambiguous for road users. Staff reported community outreach including a workshop and an online survey (122 responses) and said roughly 57% of respondents endorsed the concept as presented.
Public testimony included Bike Walk Alameda urging a standard traffic signal to maximize compliance and visibility. The commission pressed staff on visibility for northbound drivers on Wilma Chan Way, coordination with adjacent projects and options for turn prohibitions or channelization to reduce conflict points. Commissioners endorsed the concept and directed staff to carry the recommendation to council and to incorporate detailed visibility, signage and traffic‑calming refinements in final design.
