The Project Initiation Document (PID) phase of the bridge is moving along at a good clip. There was much to review and discuss at the recent Equity and Stakeholder Advisory Committee meeting. Staff and consultants presented maps and a matrix showing twelve alternatives that varied in location, height (40’ – 70’), span length (400’ – 600’), and configuration, each scored using weighted screening criteria to determine the three best candidates to advance for PID evaluation:
The top-scoring three alternatives, in order, were the 40’ bascule versions of E2 (Estuary Park to Alameda Park in Marina Village), W4 (Washington to Fifth), and W6 (Broadway to Fifth):
Conceptual sketches of each shown here:
These are really coming into focus now! You can begin to imagine actually walking or riding across one of these, experiencing the views and the relative quiet and fresh air that being away from car traffic affords, even at its busiest times.
In the months ahead, the consultants will be busy meeting with regulatory agencies and working on the PID itself, with a draft expected early next year. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, Caltrans is updating its Bike Plan, and wants to hear from you. If you haven’t yet done so, please take a minute to let them know how desperately we need this bridge by filling out their quick survey. Please also drop a pin on their map or “like” other comments that you support:
Learn more about the background of the bridge project at estuarybridge.org or on our own Bridge the Gap page.