Richmond is planning to brighten and improve several freeway underpasses and one overpass, turning often-dark spaces into safer, more welcoming walking routes.
The project is called the Richmond Art and Light Project, backed by funding from Caltrans, according to city documents.
The work will focus on four main crossings: the underpasses on Macdonald Avenue, Barrett Avenue, and San Pablo Avenue under Interstate 80, plus the overcrossing on Harbour Way over Interstate 580. As part of the plan, the city will install pedestrian-scale lighting and public art at those locations.
This project is supported by a state grant awarded in 2022, and it’s included in the city’s 2025–2026 Engineering Grants budget. In June 2025, the construction firm WR Forde submitted a bid to carry out the work for $374,000, which is within the approved budget. The city is scheduled to decide whether to give the contract to WR Forde at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday.
