1. What is the 40th Street Multimodal Project?

The 40th Street Multimodal Project is a transformative active transportation project designed to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance access for all users - pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers - along the 40th Street and Shellmound Street corridors. The project includes:

• A two-way Class IV bikeway on the north side of 40th Street.
• Bus-only lanes to improve transit efficiency.
• Safety improvements at key intersections, including partial and full closures of unsignalized side streets.

The project aligns with the Safe System Approach, adopted by the FHWA and California, to reduce serious injuries and fatalities by designing roads that are forgiving of human error.

2. Why is this project necessary?

The project addresses long-standing safety issues, particularly at unsignalized intersections, and supports the anticipated growth from developments like the Novartis Campus and The Emery. It also aligns with regional and City goals to promote sustainable transportation options, including walking, biking, and public transit.

3. Why are side street closures necessary?

The proposed closures at Hubbard Street, Haven Street, Holden Street, and Watts Street are based on extensive traffic and safety analyses. These changes will:

• Reduce conflicts between vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Improve safety for vulnerable road users, particularly at intersections with high crash rates.
• Maintain access for emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

For example:

• Hubbard Street: A cul-de-sac will eliminate right-turn conflicts, addressing safety concerns for cyclists traveling downhill from the 40th-Shellmound Bridge.
• Watts Street: Raised crosswalks and cycle tracks will slow turning vehicles and improve visibility for cyclists.

4. What outreach has been done to date?

The City has conducted extensive outreach and public meetings to ensure the project reflects community needs and concerns:

• Community Workshop in August 2018.
• Intercept Surveys at bus stops Fall 2018
• 612 postcards and 460 mailers sent to residents and businesses.
• 15 in-person meetings with 42 stakeholders.
• 4 virtual workshops with 22 participants.
• 203 survey responses, with over 30% of car commuters indicating they would consider biking if safety improved.

Outreach efforts have also included:

• Workshops and Group Meetings on side street closures, per City Council direction.
• One-on-one meetings with property owners directly affected by closures.
• Public feedback incorporated into the final design.

5. What public meetings are there where this project has been discussed?

This project has been discussed at numerous City Council, Transportation Committee, and Planning Commission meetings. Please see the Council & Committee History tab on the left-hand side of this page for more details.

6. What do the traffic analysis findings show?

The Traffic Analysis for the 40th Street Multimodal Project confirms that the proposed changes will improve safety and traffic flow. Key findings include:

• Intersection Operations:
  • Overall intersection delays along 40th Street will remain at 55 seconds or better during peak hours.
  • Intersections at Park Avenue and Hollis Street will operate at 20 seconds or better, with no significant congestion expected.
• Bus Travel Times:
  • Bus travel times on 40th Street will improve with the project.
  • Minor delays at the Transit Hub on San Pablo Avenue are expected due to a new signal phase separating high volumes of pedestrians, cyclists, and right-turning vehicles.
• Safety Improvements:
  • The project will reduce conflicts at unsignalized intersections, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Over a 5-year period, the corridor experienced 12 vehicle-cyclist and vehicle-pedestrian collisions, highlighting the need for safety upgrades.
• Multimodal Operations:
  • Simulations using Vissim software show that the project will enhance multimodal traffic flow during peak hours.

For more details, see the Traffic Analysis Reports linked here:

• Part I: 40th Street Traffic Analysis
• Part II: Shellmound Street Traffic Analysis

7. Will there be U-turn points for large delivery vehicles?

Yes, the project includes considerations for large delivery vehicles at all intersections and turnarounds at closure areas within the project’s area. Specific measures, such as additional stop signs at Park Street, are being evaluated to ensure safe maneuvering for 18-wheelers and other large vehicles. The design team is working closely with businesses to address these needs and minimize disruptions.

8. What is the budget and manpower for enforcement of additional parklets?

Emeryville has an active and thorough encampment outreach program which we will continue to employ. The project includes provisions for the enforcement of parklets to ensure they are used as intended. Budget allocations and manpower for enforcement will be coordinated with Emeryville Police Department and Maintenance Department to address concerns such as homeless encampments and misuse of parklets.

9. How will parking enforcement and permitting be handled?

There will be red curbs implemented within the project areas for daylighting, clear sight-distances, and turn around areas at closure sites. Parking regulations will continue with our existing parking enforcement program. Parking enforcement officers will increase patrols and monitoring to ensure compliance with new parking restrictions once the project is built.

Ongoing engagement with businesses and residents will be done to address specific concerns. New requests for yellow (commercial loading), green (short duration parking), and white (passenger loading) zones are possible by requests and business needs in the area. Any changes/requests will need to come to the transportation committee for consideration and approval.

10. What are the next steps?

• Environmental Review:
  • City’s Project Team and Caltrans are finalizing the necessary studies in order to complete CEQA/NEPA clearance.
• City Council Updates/Decisions:
  • A quarterly project update will be presented to the City Council in March 2025.
  • Approval of Final Scope of Work
• Construction Timeline:
  • Summer/Fall 2025: Environmental clearance (CEQA/NEPA).
  • Late 2025: Design Finalization and Advertising Project for Bids.
  • Early 2026: Construction begins.

11. How can I stay informed?

Visit this 40th Street Multimodal Project webpage for updates, staff reports, and resolutions.

Sign up for the City’s Newsflash for the latest project news.

Contact the City’s Project Manager, Ryan O’Connell, at roconnell@emeryville.org with questions.