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Despite the scarcity of state budget dollars, cities in Alameda County have additional resources available to help fund important transportation projects. In 2000, 81.5% of county voters overwhelmingly passed Measure B, which reauthorized the one-half cent sales tax for transportation projects that was first passed in 1986.
The tax will be in effect through 2022 and is expected to generate at least $1.4 billion countywide.
The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) oversees the expenditure plan for Measure B.
Sixty percent of the tax revenues will be distributed to local jurisdictions, and the City of Alameda will receive an estimated $70 million over the next 20 years in Measure B funds. In addition, $6 million will be used to upgrade the I-880/ Broadway/ Jackson St. interchange in Oakland, which will improve Alameda's connection to the region's freeway system.
How will Measure B funds be spent in the City of Alameda?
The City's $70 million in transportation investments will support a broad range of transportation options to, from and within Alameda.
The breakdown is as follows:
The following projects are already underway or have been recently completed:
Oakland/Alameda Ferry and Harbor Bay Ferry
The ferry service provides a traffic-free alternative to commuters traveling from Alameda to San Francisco.
Paratransit Programs
The City promotes public transportation that is more accessible to seniors and people with disabilities, through such programs as the East Bay Paratransit Consortium (EBPC, which the City partially subsidizes), the Medical Return Trip Improvement Program (MRTIP), rental busses for cultural and social events, Meals on Wheels delivery, and taxi coupons for people who do not yet qualify for EBPC.
Accessibility Improvements
The City has an on-going program of installation and maintenance of bus shelters that will make public transit more accessible to people with disabilities. Additional access related work includes installation/ improvement of curb ramps, installation of audible and count-down signals, and improvements to the Main Street Ferry Terminal bathrooms.
Park Street Reconfiguration at the Oakland Triangle
The City of Alameda is assisting the City of Oakland in the final design and construction of a reconfiguration of Park Street and 23rd Avenue, on the Oakland side of the Park Street Bridge, to provide better access between I-880 and Alameda.
Road Resurfacing
Measure B provides crucial resources for keeping our local streets in good condition.
Sidewalk Repair
The City has an ongoing program for breakout and reconstruction of sidewalk failures, on a City-wide basis.
Bike Racks and Lockers
Bike racks and electronic lockers were installed throughout the City, including City Hall and Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal, to encourage commuting by bicycle.
Fernside Pedestrian and Cyclist Upgrades
Realignment of the bike path at the approach to the Bike Bridge.
Traffic Signal Upgrades
The City is upgrading various signals in order to make them more reliable and energy efficient. Work includes replacing light emitting diodes (LED) in signal heads, replacing signal controllers, adding interconnects for better timing, painting the signal poles, and studying the need for new signals.
Pothole Patching
The City is proactively patching rough areas of pavement, based upon observation and citizen input, in order to maintain a safe and weather-resistant surface, until more permanent repairs can be made.
Traffic Striping and Sign Maintenance Program
All striping and signage are inspected on a six-year cycle and replaced as needed, to maintain high reflectivity and appropriate guidance to local traffic.
Survey Monument Update
All survey monuments and benchmarks, used by land surveyors to determine lot lines and elevations, will be remeasured and updated.
Transportation Planning and Staff Support
The City is updating its master plans for future growth and changing population needs, producing construction projects that encourage cyclists, pedestrians, and transit usage; make vehicular travel and freight movement more efficient; and improve air quality and safety.
