Walnut Creek Transportation Commission Meeting Summary – November 20, 2025

The Walnut Creek Transportation Commission met on November 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered three main discussion items: the Walnut Creek BART Station Shared Mobility Hub Project (informational), the Downtown Curbside Management Plan (recommendation to Council), and the Oakland Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project (early-stage presentation). The Commission also approved minutes from July 17, 2025, and received commissioner reports. The meeting adjourned at 7:51 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – July 17, 2025: Motion carried with 4 ayes (Commissioners Ash, Patch, Krelling, Chair Brightman), 1 abstention (Commissioner Reese, who was not present at the July meeting), and 1 absent (Student Commissioner Kirsch).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4a (Shared Mobility Hub): One speaker expressed general support for the project and raised specific safety concerns about the Hillside/680 on-ramp intersection, the two-way bike path on Hillside, potential Riviera parking impacts, and compatibility with the North Downtown Specific Plan. A second speaker supported the project and asked about traffic light timing at Oakland Boulevard, bike security at BART, and the definition of "cycle track."
• Item 4b (Curbside Management Plan): One speaker focused on recommendation nine (improving bicycle network), noting that Civic Drive east-west connections have been planned for decades and urged consideration of a two-way bike path from the Iron Horse Trail to BART along the north side of Ignacio Valley Road.
• Item 4c (Oakland Boulevard Multimodal Improvements): One speaker questioned bicycle counts on Oakland Boulevard, called for better data, expressed concern about the south end connectivity, and suggested the $9.2 million might be better spent on other projects.

Discussion Items

• 4a: Walnut Creek BART Station Shared Mobility Hub Project – Informational presentation by CCTA (Jay Zang) and consultant Adam Dankberg (Kimley-Horn). The hub is part of the Innovate 680 program, funded by a $3.4 million MTC grant plus $700,000 in local Measure 3 funds. Due to scope and cost increases, not all proposed improvements can be built; CCTA sought commissioner input on priorities. Proposed improvements include striped bike lanes on Riviera, a raised cycle track on California Boulevard, a new direct pedestrian/bike connection at Oakland Boulevard and Ignacio Valley Road, enhanced wayfinding and real-time travel information signs, and a redesigned path from the station to the bus area. Public outreach included farmers market events and an online survey (nearly 400 responses, closing November 24). Commissioners generally supported the project and offered prioritization suggestions: keep intersection safety improvements (especially at Oakland/Ignacio and California/YVR), consider permanent bike facilities along Ignacio Valley Road instead of a temporary path through TOD Phase 3, reduce the number of real-time signs and e-bike charging stations, and emphasize security and parking coordination for express bus users. Commissioners also raised concerns about the left turn from Ignacio Valley Road onto Oakland Boulevard, where vehicles sometimes cut onto the sidewalk.
• 4b: Downtown Curbside Management Plan – Final plan presented by Brianna Byrne (City Traffic Engineer) and Terrence Jow (Fehr & Peers). The plan sets data-driven standards for curbside use, covering parking, loading, bike/ped safety, placemaking, and sustainability. Key findings: plentiful garage parking but high on-street demand in the core. Based on prior Commission and Council feedback, the plan removed recommendations to raise meter rates or extend meter hours, and removed a staffed bike repair station. The plan includes a five-year action plan with loading, merchant parking, transit improvements, safety improvements, and wayfinding. The Commission voted unanimously (4 ayes, 1 absent) to recommend City Council adoption of the plan. Commissioners expressed support for the plan as presented, with some noting that meter rates and hours may need future evaluation but should not be increased at this time.
• 4c: Oakland Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project – Early-stage presentation by Henry Roode (Transportation Planner). The project aims to add continuous sidewalks, class IV separated bikeways, ADA improvements, stormwater bioretention, and traffic safety enhancements along Oakland Boulevard from Mount Diablo Boulevard to Ignacio Valley Road. Total budget is $9.6 million (including contingency), with $400,000 local match and the remainder from the state STIP grant. The project is in concept phase; design has not begun. MTC requires a resolution of local support (passed by Council Oct 7) and comments from the Commission. Commissioners largely supported the project as a key connector between neighborhoods, BART, and downtown, noting its integration with the Shared Mobility Hub. Concerns were raised about the left turn from Ignacio Valley Road onto Oakland Boulevard (potential vehicle incursions onto bike/ped space) and about cost escalation, though staff noted built-in contingencies. No formal vote was taken; the Commission’s comments will be forwarded to MTC.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Minutes of July 17, 2025, approved (4-0-1, with 1 abstention).
• Downtown Curbside Management Plan: Commission voted unanimously to recommend City Council adoption (4 ayes, 1 absent).
• Oakland Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project: Commission provided comments for MTC; no vote taken.
• Shared Mobility Hub Project: No formal action; CCTA will consider Commissioner input on priorities as design advances.
• Next regular meeting: January 15, 2026.