Embarcadero Road Improvements (Alma to Emerson)
- Project typeTraffic and Transportation
- Project value$2,300,000
- Contractor nameO’Grady Paving, Inc.
Project Description
Phase 1 and 2 of the Embarcadero Road Corridor Improvements Project includes improvements at El Camino Real and Embarcadero Road/Galvez Street, and along Embarcadero Road from El Camino Real east to Emerson Street, such as traffic signal modifications, sidewalk realignment, high-visibility crosswalks, signing and striping, bicycle treatments, landscaping and traffic calming elements. After the project was on hold for several years due to various priorities including utility construction in the project area and Grade Separation discussions, recent discussions in April 2026 regarding the potential temporary closure of Churchill Avenue highlighted the importance of completing the planned improvements along the north side of Embarcadero Road between High Street and Emerson Street. As a result, on April 20, 2026, the City Council directed staff to expedite implementation of these improvements.
Phase 1: June 8, 2026 to mid-August
- Phase 1 of the Embarcadero Road Improvements Project includes construction of the north side improvements along Embarcadero Road between Emerson Street and High Street. Construction is scheduled to begin on June 8 and continue through mid-August. This work represents the first phase of the overall project, with Phase 2 improvements to be implemented at a later date.
- Phase 1 includes squaring up side-street approaches, installing a raised crosswalk at Emerson Street, removing the right-turn slip lane at Kingsley Avenue, and widening the existing sidewalk corridor to accommodate a separated bicycle lane along Embarcadero Road between Emerson Street and High Street. The project will also reconfigure the intersections at High Street and Emerson Street to reduce turning vehicle speeds and improve visibility for pedestrians and bicyclists.
May 29, 2026 Construction Notice to Residents(PDF, 2MB)
Project Background
On October 5, 2015, the City Council authorized a contract with BKF Engineers for the Embarcadero Road Corridor Improvements Project which included improvements at El Camino Real and Embarcadero Road/Galvez Street, and along Embarcadero Road from El Camino Real east to Emerson Street. Improvements included, traffic signal modifications, sidewalk realignment, high-visibility crosswalks, signing and striping, bicycle treatments, landscaping and traffic calming elements. Final construction documents (100% design) were completed in 2019, which included an encroachment permit approval from Caltrans for work on El Camino Real. The construction of the project was placed on hold shortly thereafter due to the ongoing Grade Separation study and potential conflicts and overlap resulting from the potential mitigation work on Emerson Street and Embarcadero Road.
In June 2022, the Rail Committee asked staff to revisit this project and to complete the east portion of this project (from Alma to Emerson). The design for the Improvements for the east portion of the project includes pedestrian improvements at the intersections of High Street, Kingsley Avenue and Emerson Street. Improvements include, but are not limited to, sidewalk realignment, high-visibility crosswalks, signing and striping, pedestrian lighting, landscaping, and traffic calming elements. The project design was completed in September 2024; however, the project was put on hold due to utilities construction in the project area.
In April 2026, discussions regarding the potential temporary closure of Churchill Avenue highlighted the importance of completing the planned improvements along the north side of Embarcadero Road between High Street and Emerson Street. As a result, on April 20, 2026, the City Council directed staff to expedite implementation of these improvements.
Scope of Work
Design Elements Include:
Phase 1 Scope Includes:
Phase 1 improvements include squaring up side street approaches, installing a raised crosswalk at Emerson Street, eliminating the right-turn slip lane at Kingsley Avenue, and widening the existing sidewalk path to include a separated bike lane on Embarcadero Road from Emerson to High Street. The project will reconfigure High Street and Emerson Street intersections to reduce the speed of turning vehicles and increase visibility for pedestrians and bicyclists. Thank you for your patience as this work supports bike and pedestrian safety.
Phase 2 Scope Includes: ( To be constructed at a later date)
Modifying Kingsley Avenue approach to Embarcadero Road and create a more standard 90-degree intersection with Embarcadero Road to reduce driver confusion and limit the number conflicts with bicyclists, pedestrians and other motor vehicles. Restriping and paving portions of Embarcadero and landscaping/tree planting
Project Status
Phase 1 includes improvements on the north side of Embarcadero Road between Emerson Street and High Street and will begin on June 8 and continue through mid-August.
Project Timeline
Location
