511 Contra Costa

Pittsburg/Bay Point station, the current eastern terminus in Contra Costa County. Photo credit: 
Chris Downs
Back in October two major construction projects broke ground– State Route 4 widening and the eBART extension to eastern Contra Costa County. Because eBART will operate down the median of State Route 4, the two projects are being implemented in tandem with construction projected to be completed in Fall 2016. Let’s take a closer look at the projects…. Read the rest

Pittsburg is hosting a final open house tomorrow, Tuesday June 28th from 5:30 to 6 PM as part of a public review period that ends August 1st.
The master plan calls for retail stores, plazas and high- and medium-density housing, enabling residents to leave their cars at home while commuting to any part of the Bay Area served by BART.
Are you free Tuesday night? Come to the open house to share your thoughts…. Read the rest

Upcoming Events & Meetings

Weds. 12/3: County Connection routes 16 & 98X will detour shortly for Martinez holiday parade
Mon. 12/6 – Weds. 12/8, 9:30 PM – 4:30 AM: Caldecott Bore #1 will be closed

Local News (Contra Costa County & East Bay)

Keep your bike safe with these tips and resources from 511CC
Data from the city of Pittsburg: Using freeway routes can save up to an average of nine minutes over local streets

Bay Area & California News

Why winter sunsets are amazing (and why you should consider winter bike riding)!… Read the rest

Construction on BART’s eastward extension, which will span 10 miles from the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART station towards Hillcrest Avenue, is set to begin this fall. The extension will fulfill the first phase of the eBart project, which aims to bring BART into East County. It should be completed by 2015.
BART will be providing a project overview and gathering feedback about fares, station access, and hours of operation at three venues next week…. Read the rest

PITTSBURG, CA – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today issued the following statement after attending the groundbreaking for the Highway 4/Loveridge Road Widening Project:
“The Highway 4 Widening Project is a win, win, win for the Bay Area. It means thousands of new jobs, less congestion, and improved public transit access. Federal, state, and local government officials worked together to secure the necessary $165.4 million for this project…. Read the rest

Upcoming Events & Meetings

Thursday May 13, 2010 – Bike to Work Day
Thursday May 13, 2010 – Evening on the Trails

For more events, visit http://www.511contracosta.org/events/
Local News (Contra Costa County & East Bay)

Bike Buck$ Program begins
With road funds, Pittsburg plans 1.7-mile expressway, BART extension into East Contra Costa County, and other projects
WestCAT joins Twitter

Bay Area & California News

Spare the Air smog season begins this week for the Bay Area
Senator Joe Simitian aims to give carpool users a free ride in carpool lanes
The race is on to build charging station for electric vehicles
Bay Area Bicycle Coalition unveils iPhone application that will allow riders to track their bike commuting to earn prizes

Follow 511CC on Twitter or Like us on Facebook to receive additional updates and the latest 511CC promotions, along with entering yourself to win a $25 gift card to Peet’s Coffee & Tea!… Read the rest

Upcoming Events & Meetings

Saturday April 24, 2010 - Test ride the County Connection new hybrid electric buses
Monday May 3, 2010 – San Ramon Valley Transportation Summit 2010
Thursday April 22, 2010 - AC Transit and BART Public Hearings for Paratransit Fare Changes
Thursday April 22, 2010 – City of Martinez will unveil three new electric vehicle charging stations

Local News (Contra Costa County & East Bay)

Closure of freeway ramps between Highway 4 and eastbound I-80 delayed to Apr…. Read the rest

Events & Meetings

Hike or Bike the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council’s 14th Annual Ridge to Bridge this Saturday April 10th, 2010
Discuss the Iron Horse Trail, BART to Livermore and other Eastern Alameda County transportation improvements on Thursday April 15, 2010
DMV offices to be closed today and Friday, April 16, 2o10
Lamorinda Transportation Commuter Fair to be held Wednesday April 28, 2010 in Lafayette
Bike to Work Day is coming up on May 13, 2010…. Read the rest

Local News

Nominate a local biker for Bike Commuter of the Year before Monday, April 19, 2010
BART plans community outreach workshops in Richmond, Antioch, and Pittsburg (Tues 4/6/10)
The tunnel on the Contra Costa Canal Trail is now open for use
See if you live in a ‘red zone’ for the percent of your income that goes towards transportation on this East Bay map
Speeders on I-580 and I-680 face CHP crackdown
Rain delays six-month closure of freeway ramps btwn Hwy 4 + E-bound I-80 until April 19th
Antioch seeks residential input on greenhouse gas reduction at community meetings this April and May… Read the rest