The Central Avenue Safety Project has progressed to “Stage 2-Part 2,” according to the City of Alameda’s latest update. That means that there are a number of changes that both drivers and pedestrians must use in order to navigate the area.
New and temporary: No right turn out of Ballena Boulevard
Construction work on the southeast corner of Ballena Boulevard/Fourth Street/Central Avenue prevents drivers from heading east when leaving Ballena Bay. Instead, drivers should enter the roundabout and turn onto Fourth Street, and then turn right on any street north of Central.
Pedestrians exiting Ballena Avenue should use the western sidewalk and crosswalk to get to the north side. (See map below for open crosswalks). The City expects this specific detour to be in place for about six weeks.
Construction status and direction of detour
Continuing construction on the project, including the southern half of the roundabouts at Third and Fourth streets, means that both one-way traffic and detours are in place. Traffic continues to be detoured in a clockwise direction through the construction area, westbound on Central Avenue to Pacific Avenue, then eastbound to Fifth Street. (See map below).
Getting to Paden Elementary School
For people who are driving their children to school, access to the Paden Elementary drop-off lane from westbound Central Avenue is open. Drivers may exit the drop-off lane onto eastbound Central Avenue.
Sidewalks are open on both sides of Central Avenue near the school, but the eastern crosswalk at Fourth Street/Ballena Boulevard is closed. Pedestrians should cross Central Avenue at Fifth Street or the west side of Fourth Street/Ballena Boulevard. (See map above and/or the online Paden School drop-off map.
What’s next: Return of two-way traffic and bikeway opening
Two-way traffic on Central Avenue will return when the roundabouts are completed at the Third and Fourth street intersections, currently anticipated for late September.
Meanwhile, here are some quick tips on how to use roundabouts:
- When driving: Approach slowly and use caution. Yield to people walking and biking in crossings when you enter and exit the roundabout. Yield to drivers in the circle before entering. Drive with the flow of traffic counterclockwise around the center island.
- When walking: Use marked crosswalks. You have the right of way, but always stop, look both ways, and listen before crossing. Do not cross to the center of the roundabout.
- When biking: Go slow and yield to pedestrians. Be aware that some pedestrians may be unable to see or hear you and may not be able to move quickly out of your path of travel. Before crossing the street, look both ways to check that drivers see and yield to you. You may also choose to ride through the roundabout with vehicle traffic, following the driving instructions.
Learn more about the Central Avenue construction at the City of Alameda Central Avenue Safety Project web page.
