After much anticipation, construction is starting on the extension of the City’s award-winning Walnut Avenue Bikeway!  Over the next two weeks, residents and motorists will begin seeing construction related activities along Walnut Avenue (between Paseo Padre Parkway and Fremont Boulevard). Please visit this project website regularly for the latest construction related updates.  Project construction is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2026. 

Anticipated Traffic Control and Detour

During project construction, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians traveling along Walnut Avenue can experience temporary lane closures, sidewalk closures, and temporary loss of on-street parking around various construction areas.  Lane closures are restricted to 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Fridays.  During lane closure times, a minimum of one vehicle lane will remain open in each direction of travel.  Temporary pedestrian and bicycle detours will be provided as needed around various construction areas.  Finally, all residential and commercial driveways will remain open and accessible at all times.

Project Overview

Named one of the best ten bikeways in the country in 2020 by People for Bikes, the Walnut Avenue Bikeway Phase I Project between Mission Boulevard and Paseo Padre Parkway was completed in early 2020.  The project implemented progressive intersection safety designs (with enlarged, sidewalk level curb returns) and sidewalk level bikeways to provide the maximum degree of separation between walkers and bicyclists from vehicle traffic.  The project also upgraded existing traffic signals and installed user-activated beacons at unsignalized crossings near the Fremont BART Station. 
 
Over the past three years, the City constructed similar  intersection improvements through separate projects at the Walnut Avenue/Liberty Street and Fremont Boulevard/Walnut Avenue intersections.  The Phase II project will connect these improved intersections and extend the sidewalk level bikeway from Paseo Padre Parkway to Fremont Boulevard, ultimately complete the planned All Ages and Abilities bikeway along Walnut Avenue.  

Project Features

As previously stated, the core element of the  proposed project is the construction of sidewalk level bikeway along Walnut Avenue between Paseo Padre Parkway and Fremont Boulevard intersections.  Other project elements include construction of storm drain improvements, existing sidewalk repair, ADA curb ramp installation, bus stop enhancements, pavement rehabilitation, new pavement striping, and landscaping improvements.  A new user-activated crossing beacon system will be installed at the Walnut Avenue/California Street intersection to facilitate safer pedestrian and bicycle crossing.  

Schedule

Project is currently in construction and is anticipated to be completed in Summer 2026