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South Bayfront Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge & Horton Landing Park Improvement

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1. What is the South Bayfront Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge project? Where is it?

The project involves the design and construction of a pedestrian-bicycle bridge over the railroad
tracks near the Bay Street Center. The project includes the ramps and connections from the
bridge to existing or proposed projects. On the west side, it will connect to Ohlone Way and the
Bay Street parking garage. On the east side, it connects to the future Horton Landing Park.

2. Why is the City building this bridge?

The City of Emeryville is building this new bridge to expand alternative transportation options,
improve access between shopping and employment areas, and improve connections between
recreational bicycle and pedestrian trails.

3. How much is the project going to cost, and how is the City paying for it?

The City has allocated approximately $8 million toward the project for construction and design.
This project is included in the 2007-2011 Capital Improvement Program, and is funded by the
Redevelopment Agency.

4. Why is the bridge being built at this particular location?

The project is on regional bicycle and pedestrian corridors. The bridge will connect to the
Emeryville Greenway on the east side and will provide a path across the railroad tracks to
connect to the Bay Trail to the west. It will also provide convenient access from central
Emeryville to the Bay Street Center.

5. What will the bridge look like?

The bridge design team is currently studying a variety of bridge concepts that will fit the site and
the City’s budget. These will be ready for public review at the next public meeting in February
2008. The bridge will be visible from many different viewpoints, and it is the design team’s goal
to have an aesthetically pleasing bridge!

6. When will the bridge be finished?

The preliminary design phase will finish this spring, and the design and permit process will then
take approximately one year. Construction will begin in the spring of 2009, and will also take
approximately one year. The bridge opening is scheduled for the spring of 2010.

7. How are the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, and individuals with disabilities, being

The bridge and ramps are being designed to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
requirements and be a Class 1 bicycle path. The maximum slope anywhere on the ramps is 5
percent. Stairs will be provided at each end of the bridge for a more direct route for pedestrians.

8. Why are the ramps so long?

The bottom of the bridge structure needs to clear the railroad tracks by approximately 23 feet.
With a maximum slope of 5 percent, the ramps will need to be approximately 500 feet long.

9. Will bridge users be able to use the Bay Street parking garage elevator?

Yes, the ramps on the west side will connect to the Bay Street parking garage. A marked path
will lead from the ramps to the existing elevator. There will not be access to the elevator during
non-business hours, however.

10. Will there be an elevator on the east side?

An elevator on the east side is not included in this project.

11. Will the bridge be safe at night?

The bridge, ramps, and paths will be well lit, and are being designed to be visible by the
surrounding areas.

12. Who is involved in planning the bridge?

The City Council and the Project Committee are guiding the planning of the bridge, with
support from City Staff and the Fire Department. The Project Committee includes residents,
bicyclists, City Council members, and representatives from the adjacent businesses, Novartis and
Bay Street.

13. How can I get involved?

There are several ways to participate:
• Attend public workshops such as these. There will be two additional workshops in the
future. The next workshop will be in February 2008 and will focus on concepts for the
bridge design.
• Make comments at City Council meetings when the project is discussed. The City Council
usually discusses the project on the third Tuesday of the month.
• Observe Project Committee meetings. These meetings are announced and the agendas
and minutes are posted on the project website (see below).
You may also contact Ignacio Dayrit, City Project Manager, at (510) 596-4356 or at
idayrit@ci.emeryville.ca.us.