June 25, 2019
A better Milvia Street has been decades in the making—since 1971. Through the years, this project has been about creative solutions, action, and relentless work. This month, there’s been a big win: $3 million awarded for improvements to Milvia St., and smoother streets are coming even sooner.
The State of California announced $19 million total in Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities funds in Berkeley, approximately $3 million of which will be dedicated for high-quality, permanent protected bike lanes on Milvia Street, from Hearst Ave. to Blake Street. On top of that, the City of Berkeley is matching $350,000 for Milvia Street improvements. Construction is slated to start in 2020, and we will continue to push Berkeley to finish construction within the year.
In the meantime, Milvia St. from Russell Street to Blake Street will be getting repaved this year, and we can’t wait for a smoother ride. Special thanks to Walk Bike Berkeley for making that bicycling improvement happen.
In 2015, we demonstrated that a better protected design was possible and 2016 we successfully helped Berkeley to secure funding to start design work. When word came that improvements would take too long, you spoke up and let the city know that Milvia Street can’t wait. After the city announced improvements were slated for Bike to Work Day of this year, PG&E began needed construction work on underground powerlines. This month, another big piece of the puzzle fell into place, and improvements slated for Milvia St. are closer than ever.
You and Bike East Bay have been there at every opportunity to show support for a connected Milvia St. and better downtown Berkeley. Now, after five decades of planning, pushing, and perspiration, we are about to see this important network connection come to life.
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