Oakland's busy 14th Street is set for a major face-lift designed to enhance safety and pedestrian accessibility, which city officials call a transformative project for the heart of downtown. The safety improvements, which started with a ceremonial groundbreaking, came in response to alarming traffic statistics. According to the Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT), two Oakland residents are killed or seriously injured in traffic crashes on city streets weekly.
Mayor Sheng Thao and various city council members celebrated the launch of the $20.9 million 14th Street Safety Project, which is slated to include a slew of street redesigns. The planned upgrades are improved pedestrian crossings, sidewalk extensions, separate bike lanes, and advanced bus boarding areas to create safer, more inviting streets. "Today we are delivering on our promise to Oaklanders for safer, calmer streets," Mayor Sheng Thao said during the event, according to an X post.
Today we are delivering on our promise to Oaklanders for safer, calmer streets at our groundbreaking of the 14th Street Safety Project.
— Mayor Sheng Thao 盛桃 (@MayorShengThao) January 29, 2024
The transformation of 14th Street through the heart of Downtown Oakland will not only improve safety but also create an inviting atmosphere to… pic.twitter.com/7vks5zCcHN
The project will revamp a critical stretch from Brush Street to Lakeside Drive/Oak Street, an area identified as part of the city's High Injury Network. OakDOT highlights that only 6% of Oakland's streets account for over 60% of traffic deaths and severe injuries, underscoring the urgency behind the 14th Street overhaul.
Funded by a combination of city bonds and county, state, and regional agencies, the project reflects years of planning and community input. "Our vibrant local businesses along 14th Street and in Chinatown deserve calm, safe streets for their customers," said Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas, noting the particular benefits for neighborhoods prioritized for equity. The integrated design includes contributions from community outreach, like additional public realm enhancements and a comprehensive parking scheme designed to support the needs of local enterprises.
Community engagement significantly refined the design, incorporating feedback over four years of consultations with residents and stakeholders. The initiative is part of a wider effort to advance safety and connectivity across Oakland's neighborhoods, promoting sustainability through growth. Construction is expected to wrap up by Fall 2025, offering a safer and more appealing downtown experience. For ongoing updates, residents can visit the OakDOT project page.
