Bridge for cyclists, pedestrians to open at Gilman Interchange
Other changes coming Saturday include a "temporary roundabout" on Gilman Street west of Second Street.
A new bridge over the freeway for pedestrians and cyclists is set to open this weekend at the I-80 Gilman Interchange in Berkeley.
The overcrossing is scheduled to open Saturday at 6 a.m., with "paved approaches on the east side (Eastshore Highway) and on the west side at the Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex" on Gilman Street.
The opening is permanent, although staircases on both sides of the bridge won't be accessible until later, Caltrans said in an announcement this week.
There is no pedestrian access under I-80 at this time.
A view of the new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians near the Gilman Interchange. Jef Poskanzer
Caltrans said there would be signage "and pavement delineation" to ensure that cyclists, pedestrians and motorists understand the traffic flow.
Other changes coming Saturday include a "temporary roundabout" on Gilman Street west of Second Street.
It will remain in place during construction and will later be converted into a permanent roundabout.
"Anyone using the roundabout should use caution, as it is in an active construction zone," Caltrans said. "All traffic approaching the roundabout is required to yield to the traffic already in the roundabout."
Watch a video simulation of how the new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians will work.
Also note: Traffic on Second Street between Gilman and Harrison streets will become one-way northbound on Monday, Caltrans said.
"Caltrans thanks pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists for your patience as we work to improve the Gilman intersection," Caltrans said in its statement this week. "Every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience to the traveling public."
The ultimate plan for the area is a double roundabout on Gilman Street on either side of the I-80 freeway.
It's scheduled to be done sometime this year.
Read more about the project on the Caltrans website and from the Alameda County Transportation Commission.
Watch a video simulation below of how the double roundabouts will work.
Update, 7:35 p.m. We heard from a community member who saw cyclists using the bridge this week already. We've also heard from another person that the area is not completely open yet. Caltrans did not respond Wednesday to an inquiry about the project.
