The Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority (BAIFA) is working closely with Caltrans to convert the existing HOV lanes on I-680 into express lanes from Rudgear Road to Alcosta Blvd. in the southbound direction and from Alcosta Blvd. to Livorna Road in the northbound direction. Like existing HOV lanes, express lanes are FREE for carpools, vanpools, buses and other eligible vehicles while allowing solo drivers to use the lanes for a toll.
Open House
BAIFA invites everyone to attend an informational meeting to learn more. Project plans will be on display and project team members will be present to provide input about the project.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
San Ramon Community Center at Central Park
12501 Alcosta Blvd. San Ramon, CA 94583
OnLine Public Open House
Can’t make the meeting in person? BAIFA is also hosting an online public meeting at www.BAIFAexpresslanes.org that will begin January 30 and be open for two weeks, closing February 13. The online format will allow the public to view the same information that will be shown at the public meeting and provide input during the two-week period. Once on the project website, click the link to view the information.
Visit www.BAIFAexpresslanes.org or contact MTC Public Information at (510) 817-5757 for more information.
Category: Uncategorized
Planned Closure of Elmira Lane to Begin January 27 (2014)
As part of the Buskirk Avenue Widening Phase 2 Improvement Project in Pleasant Hill, California, Elmira Lane will be closed to public traffic for three months starting on Monday January 27, 2014.
This road closure duration may change depending on weather, field conditions and work conflicts. Buskirk Avenue traffic will be routed through single lane of two-way traffic through the newly constructed Buskirk Avenue (old S-curve) around the perimeter of the shopping center. One new traffic signal will be operational at Buskirk Avenue/Clarie Drive and two stop intersections will complete the detour along Buskirk Avenue; one at the south shopping center entrance and a second at Hookston Avenue (both of these are currently in place). Detour signs will be in place to route traffic around the Elmira Lane road closure.
The City of Pleasant Hill’s project contractor, Ghilotti Bros., Inc. is switching traffic to move on to the next stage of work. The next stage will involve all project improvements along the east side of Buskirk Avenue and Elmira Lane, including Clarie Drive. For more project information, please see visit the City’s Buskirk Avenue web page at www.pleasant-hill.net/buskirk or contact the City’s Construction Manager, Jeff Ocampo at (925) 671-5208 or by email at jeff@ghirardelliassoc.com.
Celebrate the completion of the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore Tomorrow, Friday November 15, 2013
On Friday, November 15th at 1:30 p.m. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx will join project partners to celebrate the construction of the Caldecott Fourth Bore with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The ceremony will be attended by:
- U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx
- Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty
- Metropolitan Transportation Commission Chair Amy Rein Worth
- Contra Costa Transportation Authority Chair Janet Abelson
- Student designers of the Fourth Bore medallions
The event will happen near the east portal of the Caldecott Tunnel in Contra Costa County.
The $417 million Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore project was completed in less than four years, and under budget, and is expected to provide significant congestion relief to motorists traveling along State Route 24 between Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in the off-peak direction by permanently dedicating two tunnels to travel in each direction.
The Fourth Bore was one of the largest recipients of Recovery Act funding in the nation, and its successful construction has been a partnership of the Federal Highway Administration, the California Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Bay Area Toll Authority, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and the Alameda County Transportation Commission.
The six students whose designs were chosen in a regional competition will participate in the unveiling of the mounted Art Deco-inspired medallions, which will grace both portals of the new tunnel.
To see all winners and honorable mentions for the contest, see our board on Pinterest.
Bike to Work Day 2013 Photos
We compiled some great photos of Bike to Work day 2013 in Contra Costa County. Also – 511CC is now on Pinterest. Follow our Bike to Work day board or check out all of our Pinterest boards.
[flickr-gallery mode=”photoset” photoset=”72157633555485006″]
Buskirk Widening Starting Next Week
Construction on the Buskirk Avenue Widening Project in Pleasant Hill is scheduled to begin next week, May 20, 2013.
What is it?
The project is to imrpove, reconstruct and widen Buskirk Avenue in Pleasant Hill, CA. In addition, drainage improvements, new pedestrian and bike facilities, new pavement and striping will be added to the Avenue.
Read more more on our blog post covering the Buskirk Avenue Project or the Stage 1 Notification PDF.
What are the construction impacts?
- Typical construction hours will be from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday-Friday.
- Some variations including night and weekend work will occur.
- The curved part of Buskirk along the southernmost side of the shopping center will be closed from Elmira Lane to Hookston Road.
- Traffic will be detoured along the dogleg section of Elmira and Hookston. Buskirk will remain open to two-way traffic north of Elmira.
For more information including the purpose of the work read the Buskirk Ave- Stage 1 Notification.
Announcing the Buskirk Avenue Improvement Project (2013)
Buskirk Avenue in Pleasant Hill will be undergoing an improvement, reconstruction and widening project. In addition, drainage improvements, new pedestrian and bike facilities, new pavement and striping will be added to the Avenue.
As part of this project:
- Buskirk Avenue will be realigned with a new traffic signal at the Buskirk Avenue/Clarie Drive intersection.
- A new traffic signal will be installed at the new Buskirk Avenue/Contra Costa Center southwesterly driveway access intersection.
- A new, free sweeping 90 degree roadway curve and traffic island calming feature will be added to the eastern section of Hookston Road north to the new Buskirk Avenue/Clarie Drive intersection.
- New ornamental street lighting, sidewalks and landscape features will be incorporated into the project in order to enhance the appearance of the corridor.
511 Contra Costa will be providing updates on the project status within the Buskirk Project section of this Blog. The City of Pleasant Hill’s website provides a way to get text or email notifications about the project. Additional info about the project can be found on the official Buskirk Avenue Phase 2 Improvement page.
Commuter Benefits Raised for 2013
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (HR 8) has restored the pre-tax transit and vanpool commuter benefits to be on par with the qualified parking benefit. For the 2013 calendar year:
- up to $245 per employee per month for vanpool and all public transportation
- up to $245 per employee per month for qualified parking, or
- up to $490 per employee per month for both public transportation and qualified parking
The effective date for the revised limits above allows for retroactivity back to January 1, 2012 if an employer so chooses under Sec. 203.
In 2012, the IRS Transportation (Commuting) Benefits rolled back to pre-2009 levels of $125 per month (adjusted for inflation) for vanpool expenses and public transit passes. The maximum was temporarily raised to $230 per month under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 and extended under the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 to equal the monthly qualified commuter parking limit.
Qualified bicycle commuting reimbursements will remain unchanged at $20 per month in the new year.
By offering pre-tax commute benefits to employees, employers can save on paying FICA payroll taxes and employees can take advantage of saving on federal withholding and FICA taxes on the amount deducted. Find out more from these third-party commute benefit administrators: Benefit Resource Inc., Clipper Direct, TranBen, TransitCenter (TransitChek), and WageWorks.
Image Credit: 401(K) 2013
Extended Shuttle Service for CSUEB Concord
Great news for students, faculty and staff at the California State University East Bay Concord campus! The Concord Campus Commuter shuttle service hours have been extended to include morning and afternoon service beginning January 7, 2013. 511 Contra Costa is pleased to continue our partnership with CSUEB Concord with a special promotion for riders. Get the schedule and find out the promotion we are offering this quarter.
See the video students made promoting the new extended service.
Flat Faced Chain and Cut Resistant Pad Lock
Most cyclists – whether commuting to work or running errands on the weekend – worry about bike theft. It is a real concern in the Bay Area and something many of us has experienced first-hand. Bicyclists often ask, “what is the best way to lock up a bicycle to keep it from being stolen?”
There is no single answer that fits all situations but according to a recent article in Popular Mechanics titled, Can you Buy a Bolt Cutter-Proof Chain? the author, Roy Berendsohn, discusses security in general and explains how to find cut-resistant chains and padlocks. A cut-resistant chain is “hardened throughout its thickness, and its flat face distributes the force of the bolt cutter’s jaw over a wide area, thereby diffusing it.” There are several different types of locks out there, and this is just one option. It might be heavier to carry around but harder, if not impossible, to break with common cutters.
Once you’ve got an ideal lock, you still need to find something to lock your bike to. This quora thread discusses the safest way to lock a bike and suggests some things to consider when locking your bike.
Occasionally we hear stories about thieves cutting chains or popping U-locks. Recovering a stolen bike can be difficult and replacing it (or just replacing a stolen wheel) can be expensive. 511 Contra Costa encourages novice and experienced riders alike to take advantage of the many benefits of cycling. However it is important to stay safe both on the road or trail, and with the right tools, including a good lock and safe riding techniques, you can minimize the risks and focus on having a nice ride.
Pleasant Hill Man drives a half million miles in vanpooling between Pleasant Hill and San Francisco
Roger Matoba’s of Pleasant Hill was honored by MTC for operating a commuter vanpool for 29 years. Roger proudly named his vanpool vehicle after the Japanese word Ichivan, meaning Number One. Departing from Pleasant Hill early each morning, Roger drove over 100 varpoolers to/from work in San Francisco for nearly three decades. It is estimated that the IchiVan traveled an estimated half million miles before retiring earlier this year.
Matoba and his ItchiVan vanpool was recently honored by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission with the Miriam Gholikely Public Service Award for his 29-year contribution to Bay Area transportation.
511 Contra Costa is proud to have nominated Roger and his IchiVan as an example to live by in reducing congestion and auto emissions saved by carrying many passengers!
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Caldecott Tunnel Excavation Completed
On September 21, 2012 – almost exactly two years from the start of tunneling – all excavation of the Fourth Bore was completed. An update on tunnel progress with photographs and additional information can be downloaded from our website (PDF).
The tunnel now measures almost 10 meters (33 feet) high and 13 meters (43 feet) wide for its entire length. Crews are currently working around the clock to complete the installation of a waterproof membrane to prevent groundwater seepage, as well as a rebar cage and final lining arch, which will provide both flexibility and strength in the event of an earthquake. The final lining, which requires a total of 69 concrete pours, or “lifts,” is what motorists will see as they travel through the tunnel.
Although we are pleased with the significant progress to date, there is still much work to be done before the tunnel is ready for traffic in late 2013. This work includes paving of the roadway inside and outside of the tunnel, completion of the portal arch on the tunnel’s eastern end, as well as the installation, configuration and integration of electrical, drainage and ventilation systems. These operational and safety systems will be controlled from the new state-of-the-art Operations and Maintenance Control building. Crews will also construct a permanent sound wall in Oakland measuring 2.5 meters (eight feet) high and 161 meters (528 feet) long.
When the tunnel is completed, its eastern and western portals will be adorned by medallions. The medallion designs will be influenced by artwork provided by young residents in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
For detailed information on the progress of the Fourth Bore’s construction, please see the Fall Project Update, which is available for download here (PDF). Please continue to visit the website for updates on tunnel progress.
Over the next three months, Caltrans and its partners, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and the Alameda County Transportation Commission, will host ceremonies for participants in the medallion design contest in both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and the Caldecott Tunnel project team will mark the 75th anniversary of the Caldecott Tunnel’s first two bores. If you have friends or neighbors who would like to stay updated on the project, please ask them to sign up for these email alerts at www.Caldecott-Tunnel.org/stay-informed/contact-us.
The Caldecott Fourth Bore Project is a partnership between the Federal Highway Administration, the California Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, and the Alameda County Transportation Commission.
Caldecott Traffic Advisory
August 20, 2012
Westbound ramp and lane closures on State Route 24 due to work on the Caldecott Fourth Bore Project will occur on weekday nights until the cross passage work has been completed. The following schedule is in effect for the foreseeable future. Please note that inclement weather may cause schedule changes.
Monday through Thursday
- Overnight Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp Closures (in Orinda): Occurring nightly between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Overnight Closures of Right Lanes on Westbound State Route 24 from the Camino Pablo on ramp (in Orinda) to Bore Three: Occurring nightly between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Overnight Bore Three Closures (towards Oakland): Occurring nightly between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Friday closures of the above lanes and ramps will begin one hour later than the Monday-Thursday schedule. The anticipated reopening times on Saturday are:
- Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp in Orinda expected to reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday
- Westbound State Route 24 right lanes between Camino Pablo onramp in Orinda and Bore #3 expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday
- Bore #3 (towards Oakland) expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday
Please see the Current Activities page for more information on the progress of Fourth Bore construction.
CALDECOTT TRAFFIC ADVISORY: PLANNED BORE AND RAMP CLOSURES
Closures will begin Monday night, July 30, and will continue to occur nightly, Monday through Thursday nights, until the cross passage work has been completed. Both the weekday and weekend schedules will remain in effect for the foreseeable
- Overnight Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp Closures (in Orinda): Occurring nightly between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Overnight Closures of right lanes on Westbound State Route 24 from the Camino Pablo Onramp (in Orinda) to Bore Three: Occurring nightly between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Overnight Bore Three Closures (towards Oakland): Occurring nightly between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Please note: On Friday night (August 3), closures of the above lanes and ramps are planned to begin one hour later than the Monday – Thursday schedule described above. The anticipated reopening times on Saturday, August 4, are as follows:
- Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp in Orinda expected to reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 4
- Westbound State Route 24 right lanes between Camino Pablo onramp in Orinda and Bore #3 expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 4
- Bore #3 (towards Oakland) expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 4
In addition to the excavation of a 3,400-foot-long tunnel north of the existing three bores, the $391.8 million Caldecott Fourth Bore Project includes traffic improvements on the eastern and western sides of the tunnel.
For more information on the upcoming closures visit the Traffic Page of the project website.
Caldecott Traffic Advisory: Planned Weekend Westbound Off Ramp Closure
The westbound State Route 24 off-ramp at Caldecott Lane in Oakland for the weekend of July 28, 2012 in order to facilitate critical widening work as part of the Caldecott Fourth Bore Project.
The off-ramp will be closed beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 27 and will remain closed throughout the weekend. The off ramp will reopen to traffic by 6 a.m. Monday, July 30. The contractor may work around the clock to complete the work. Although Caltrans anticipates that the work will be completed during the weekend of July 28, if, due to extenuating circumstances, this is not possible, a second weekend closure will occur the weekend of August 4.
Vehicles exiting State Route 24 westbound will be detoured to the Highway 13 North/Tunnel Road Exit in Oakland.
The work is being performed as part of the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore Project. In addition to the excavation of a 3,300-foot-long tunnel north of the existing three bores, the project involves realigning the on- and off-ramps on the eastern and western sides of the tunnel.
For more information on the upcoming closures visit the Traffic Page of the project website
Caldecott Traffic Advisory: Planned Overnight Westbound Lane and Ramp Closures
Nightly closures through Thursday, July 12 (ending in the early morning of July 13).
- Overnight Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp Closures (in Orinda): Occurring nightly between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Overnight Closures of right lanes on Westbound State Route 24 from the Camino Pablo Onramp (in Orinda) to Bore Three: Occurring nightly between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Overnight Bore Three Closures (towards Oakland): Occurring nightly between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Please note: On Friday night (July 13) closures of the above lanes and ramps are planned to begin one hour later than the schedule described above. The anticipated reopening times on Saturday, July 14, are as follows:
- Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp in Orinda expected to reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 14
- Westbound State Route 24 right lanes between Camino Pablo onramp in Orinda and Bore #3 expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 14
- Bore #3 (towards Oakland) expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 14
In addition to the excavation of a 3,400-foot-long tunnel north of the existing three bores, the $391.8 million Caldecott Fourth Bore Project includes traffic improvements on the eastern and western sides of the tunnel.
For more information on the upcoming closures visit the Traffic Page of the project website
Caldecott Traffic Advisory: Planned Overnight Westbound Lane and Ramp Closures
Closures tentatively will occur Monday night, July 2 (ending in the early morning of July 3) and Thursday, July 5 (ending in the early morning of July 6). There will be no closures on Tuesday night, July 3, or Wednesday, July 4.
- Overnight Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp Closures (in Orinda): Occurring between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Overnight Closures of right lanes on Westbound State Route 24 from the Camino Pablo Onramp (in Orinda) to Bore Three: Occurring between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Overnight Bore Three Closures (towards Oakland): Occurring between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Please note: On Friday night (July 6) closures of the above lanes and ramps are planned to begin one hour later than the Monday – Thursday schedule described above. The anticipated reopening times on Saturday, July 7, are as follows:
- Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp in Orinda expected to reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 7
- Westbound State Route 24 right lanes between Camino Pablo onramp in Orinda and Bore #3 expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 7
- Bore #3 (towards Oakland) expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 7
In addition to the excavation of a 3,400-foot-long tunnel north of the existing three bores, the $391.8 million Caldecott Fourth Bore Project includes traffic improvements on the eastern and western sides of the tunnel.
For more information on the upcoming closures visit the Traffic Page of the project website.
Caldecott Traffic Advisory: Planned Overnight Westbound Lane and Ramp Closures
Closures tentatively will begin Monday night, June 18 and will occur nightly through Thursday, June 21 (ending in the early morning of June 22).
- Overnight Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp Closures (in Orinda): Occurring nightly between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Overnight Closures of right lanes on Westbound State Route 24 from the Camino Pablo Onramp (in Orinda) to Bore Three: Occurring nightly between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Overnight Bore Three Closures (towards Oakland): Occurring nightly between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Please note: On Friday night (June 22) closures of the above lanes and ramps are planned to begin one hour later than the Monday – Thursday schedule described above. The anticipated reopening times on Saturday, June 23, are as follows:
- Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp in Orinda expected to reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 23
- Westbound State Route 24 right lanes between Camino Pablo onramp in Orinda and Bore #3 expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 23
- Bore #3 (towards Oakland) expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 23
In addition to the excavation of a 3,400-foot-long tunnel north of the existing three bores, the $391.8 million Caldecott Fourth Bore Project includes traffic improvements on the eastern and western sides of the tunnel.
For more information on the upcoming closures visit the Traffic Page of the project website.
Caldecott Traffic Advisory: Planned Overnight Westbound Lane and Ramp Closures
Closures tentatively will begin Monday night, June 11 and will occur nightly through Thursday, June 14 (ending in the early morning of June 15).
- Overnight Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp Closures (in Orinda): Occurring nightly between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Overnight Closures of right lanes on Westbound State Route 24 from the Camino Pablo Onramp (in Orinda) to Bore Three: Occurring nightly between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Overnight Bore Three Closures (towards Oakland): Occurring nightly between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Please note: On Friday night (June 15) closures of the above lanes and ramps are planned to begin one hour later than the Monday – Thursday schedule described above. The anticipated reopening times on Saturday, June 16, are as follows:
- Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp in Orinda expected to reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 16
- Westbound State Route 24 right lanes between Camino Pablo onramp in Orinda and Bore #3 expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 16
- Bore #3 (towards Oakland) expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 16
In addition to the excavation of a 3,400-foot-long tunnel north of the existing three bores, the $391.8 million Caldecott Fourth Bore Project includes traffic improvements on the eastern and western sides of the tunnel.
For more information on the upcoming closures visit the Traffic Page of the project website.
Caldecott Traffic Advisory: Planned Overnight Westbound Bore Lane and Ramp Closures June 4-7
Below is the anticipated schedule of upcoming westbound ramp and lane closures associated with work on the Caldecott Fourth Bore Project. Please note that inclement weather may cause schedule changes.
Closures tentatively will begin Monday night, June 4 and will occur nightly through Thursday, June 7 (ending in the early morning of June 8).
- Overnight Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp Closures (in Orinda): Occurring nightly between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Overnight Closures of right lanes on Westbound State Route 24 from the Camino Pablo Onramp (in Orinda) to Bore Three: Occurring nightly between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Overnight Bore Three Closures (towards Oakland): Occurring nightly between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Please note: On Friday night (June 8) closures of the above lanes and ramps are planned to begin one hour later than the Monday – Thursday schedule described above. The anticipated reopening times on Saturday, June 9, are as follows.
- Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp in Orinda expected to reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 9
- Westbound State Route 24 right lanes between Camino Pablo onramp in Orinda and Bore #3 expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 9
- Bore #3 (towards Oakland) expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 9
In addition to the excavation of a 3,400-foot-long tunnel north of the existing three bores, the $391.8 million Caldecott Fourth Bore Project includes traffic improvements on the eastern and western sides of the tunnel.
For more information on the upcoming closures visit the Traffic Page of the project website.
Planned Overnight Westbound Lane and Ramp Closures on Caldecott Tunnel
Below is the anticipated schedule of upcoming westbound ramp and lane closures associated with work on the Caldecott Fourth Bore Project. Please note that inclement weather may cause schedule changes.
Closures tentatively will begin Monday night, May 21 and will occur nightly through May 24 (ending in the early morning of May 25):
- Overnight Westbound Fish Ranch Road Onramp Closures (in Orinda): Occurring nightly between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Overnight Closures of right lanes on Westbound State Route 24 from the Camino Pablo Onramp (in Orinda) to Bore Three: Occurring nightly between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Overnight Bore Three Closures (towards Oakland): Occurring nightly between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Please note that due to the Memorial Day holiday weekend, there will be no planned closures in the evening of May 25, or during Memorial Day weekend. Nighttime closures will resume on Tuesday, May 29.
In addition to the excavation of a 3,400-foot-long tunnel north of the existing three bores, the $391.8 million Caldecott Fourth Bore Project includes traffic improvements on the eastern and western sides of the tunnel.
For more information on the upcoming closures visit the Traffic Page of the project website.
One Bay Area Winter 2012 Virtual Workshop
Want to help plan the Bay Area’s future for transportation, housing and land use, but unable to attend any of One Bay Area’s public workshops?
A virtual workshop is now available online. Anyone is invited to participate and comment through Wednesday, February 15th.
The workshop consists of the following steps:
- A 7-minute Plan Bay Area introductory video
- A 3-question survey on your overall support for Plan Bay Area
- A 5-min. video on the transportation funding process
- A 3-question survey on transportation investments, policies to reduce driving and emissions, and policies regarding public transit.
- A slideshow on the quality of complete communities
- A brief survery on your top priorities for complete communities
- A 4-min. video on opportunities for transportation and land use
- A 3-question survery on how Bay Area should accommodate its projected population growth
- A brief demographic survey and opportunity to provide other comments
Click here to read more information about Plan Bay Area, or dive into the virtual workshop now.
New Year's Hours and Services for Transit Agencies Serving Contra Costa County
Hope everyone had a fantastic holiday! Here is a guide to your local transit agencies New Year’s schedule. Have a safe and Happy New Year!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31st, 2011
- AC Transit– Saturday schedule
- BART– Trains running until 3 a.m. with special service. Click here for details
- CalTrain– Saturday schedule with extra southbound trains after midnight (free rides after 11pm). Click here for details
- Capitol Corridor–Weekend schedule
- County Connection–Weekend schedule
- Vallejo Transit– Weekday schedule
- WestCAT–Normal schedule
- Wheels–Saturday schedule
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1st, 2012
- AC Transit– Sunday schedule
- BART– Sunday schedule
- CalTrain– Sunday schedule
- Capitol Corridor–Weekend schedule
- Golden Gate Transit (Bus)- Holiday schedule
- Wheels–Sunday schedule
MONDAY, JANUARY 2nd, 2012
- AC Transit– Sunday schedule
- BART– Normal schedule
- CalTrain– Saturday schedule
- Capitol Corridor–Weekend schedule
- Golden Gate Transit (Bus)- Holiday schedule
- WestCAT–Saturday schedule
- Wheels–Enhanced saturday schedule
Caldecott Tunnel Trivia Contest!
<strong>The Caldecott Tunnel Trivia Contest has now ended. Congratulations to all of <a href=”#winners”>our winners</a> who won $10 to Peet’s and thanks to all who participated!</strong>
For updates on the Caldecott Tunnel construction, check out our Caldecott Blog.
For other contests and goodies, be sure to check out our <a href=”https://511contracosta.org/promotions/”>Promotions page</a>, follow <a href=”https://twitter.com/#!/511cc”>511CC on Twitter</a> or like us <a href=”http://www.facebook.com/511CC” target=”_blank”>on Facebook</a>.
<img class=”aligncenter” style=”width: 500px; margin-top: 20px;” src=”https://511contracosta.org/wp-content/themes/511cc/images/caldecott/caldecott_tunnel_progress.jpg” alt=”” />
<a name=”winners”></a><h2>Previous questions and winners</h2>
<strong><a href=”https://511contracosta.org/caldecott-tunnel-trivia-question-1/”>Question 1 (deadline: October 20, 2011)</a></strong>
The topheading from both the east and the west is being excavated now, and that work will be followed by the bench, or bottom portion.
<strong>Q:</strong> Why is the top section of the tunnel being excavated first?
<strong>A:</strong> By excavating the top section of the tunnel first the miners maintain better control of the surrounding rock, which allows more efficient tunneling.
<strong>Winner:</strong> Roxanne R.
<strong><a href=”https://511contracosta.org/caldecott-tunnel-trivia-question-2/”>Question 2 (deadline: November 3, 2011)</a></strong>
The Caldecott Fourth Bore Project is composed of four construction contracts. The project to build the Fourth Bore tunnel is by far the largest but several other contracts are included that improve traffic flow in the area. These include:
Kay Street Project
Route 24/Highway 13 Interchange Project
<strong>Q:</strong> What is the 4th contract?
<strong>A:</strong> Landscaping Project
<strong>Winner:</strong> Stephanie V.
<strong><a href=”https://511contracosta.org/caldecott-tunnel-trivia-question-3/”>Question 3 (deadline: November 21, 2011)</a></strong>
The Caldecott Fourth Bore Project is one of the nation’s largest ARRA investments with the receipt in $180 million in ARRA funds.
<strong>Q:</strong> What is the second largest source of funding for the project?
<strong>A:</strong> Contra Costa Measure J accounts for $122.5 million of the project’s funding. Contra Costa voters passed the Transportation Expenditure Plan in November 2004.
<strong>Winner:</strong> Thomas S.
<strong><a href=”https://511contracosta.org/caldecott-tunnel-trivia-question-4/”>Question 4 (deadline: December 5, 2011)</a></strong>
The Caldecott Tunnel traverses a heavily traveled portion of State Route 24 between Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
<strong>Q:</strong> How many vehicles travel through the Caldecott tunnel every day?
<strong>A:</strong> State Route 24 carries about 160,000 vehicles per day traveling through the three tunnels. The new fourth bore will relieve congestion in the off-peak direction (eastbound in the morning and westbound in the afternoon), and eliminate the need to switch the direction of traffic flow in the middle bore to accommodate shifting traffic demands.
<strong>Winner:</strong> Julie D.
<strong><a href=”https://511contracosta.org/caldecott-tunnel-trivia-question-5/”>Question 5 (deadline: December 19, 2011)</a></strong>
The Fourth Bore Project recently celebrated a major milestone with the tunnel “breakthrough”.
<strong>Q:</strong> What does this significant milestone represent for the project?
<strong>A:</strong> Breakthrough marks the completion of topheading excavation and demonstrates the tremendous progress the project has made since tunneling began. For more information about the breakthrough visit the <a href=”http://www.caldecott-tunnel.org/index.php/construction/tunnel-breakthrough” target=”_blank”>Fourth Bore website</a>.
<strong>Winner:</strong> Karen H.
