The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has approved $175 million in funding for the realignment and reconstruction the accessing gateway to the Port of Oakland.
The 7th Street Grade Separation East Project is a joint effort between the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC), CTC and the City and Port of Oakland.
Reconstructing a key access into the port will relieve truck and vehicle congestion, increase safety, and provide flexibility for seaport cargo operations according to the port authority.
This in turn will also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by curtailing trucks dwell time.
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“We would like to thank the state for approving $175 million to advance the 7thStreet Grade Separation East Project,” said Alameda CTC Chair John J. Bauters.
“The project will improve port operations and safety, and provides a new high-quality bicycle and pedestrian pathway connecting the community to the waterfront and recreational facilities.
“The project includes greening requested by the West Oakland community to reduce impacts of goods movement and improve public health.”
Alameda CTC will manage the project with financial and engineering support from the Port of Oakland.
Other project partners include the Federal Highway Administration, the California Transportation Commission, the California Department of Transportation, Union Pacific Railroad, BART, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the City of Oakland and several utility agencies.
The project will commence the construction phase in 2023.
The port handled 145,868 TEU last month compared to 137,776 TEU in October 2021, a 5.9 per cent year-on-year growth.