Community members are encouraged to attend a discussion Thursday on the second phase of the Central Avenue at Interstate 80 Local Road Improvement Project, which aims to reduce traffic backups on the corridor.
The meeting will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at El Cerrito City Hall Council Chambers, 10890 San Pablo Ave.
The project’s $19.8 million second phase includes improving signalized intersection spacing along Central Avenue by connecting Pierce Street and San Mateo Street, converting Pierce Street access at Central Avenue to “right-in, right-out,” and relocating the traffic signal at Pierce Street/Central Avenue to the San Mateo Street/Central Avenue intersection.
Additionally, the project will add new lighting, sidewalks, landscaping with stormwater retention areas, bus stops, and bicycle striping.
The project’s first phase, at $5.8 million, has involved restricting left turns from Central Avenue onto the westbound I-80 on-ramp toward San Francisco during weekend peak hours, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in order to reduce traffic backups on Central. New electronic variable message signs redirect traffic from westbound Central Avenue to the eastbound I-580 on-ramp at Rydin Road.
