Alameda public schools are back in session on Monday, August 11, and the traffic is definitely going to be challenging with construction and slow street changes. Here are some navigation tips provided by the City for getting to Encinal Junior/Senior High and Paden Elementary schools.
Construction continues on the Central Avenue Safety Project, with one-way traffic and detours in place as classes resume. Traffic is now detoured in a clockwise direction through the construction area—westbound on Central Avenue to Pacific Avenue, then eastbound to Fifth Street. Traffic circulation was shifted in early July to allow construction of the southern half of the roundabouts at Third and Fourth streets.
Getting to Encinal Junior & Senior High School
Here’s how to navigate Central Avenue, sidewalks, and school driveways.
- Walking or rolling: Use the sidewalks only on the north and east sides of Central Avenue and cross Central Avenue only at Third Street to get to Encinal High. The southern sidewalk on Central Avenue is closed all the way from the Pacific Avenue/Main Street/Central Avenue intersection to east of Fourth Street, except for the section directly in front of Encinal High.
- Biking: Students should ride either on the open sidewalks, safely sharing the space with pedestrians, or in the street in the westbound direction, just like the car traffic.
- Driving: School driveways, including the drop-off area, will be open, but when exiting driveways on Central Avenue, cars will only be able to turn left (traveling west) and may experience delays.
Getting to Paden Elementary School
Driving and walking tips:
- Driving: Access to the Paden drop-off lane from westbound Central Avenue is open. Traffic will exit the drop-off lane onto eastbound Central.
- Walking: Sidewalks are open on both sides of Central Avenue near Paden Elementary. Pedestrians should cross Central Avenue at Fifth Street, since the crosswalk at Fourth St is closed.
What’s next
Two-way traffic on Central Avenue will resume when the roundabouts are completed at the Third and Fourth Street intersections, currently anticipated for late September. Learn how to navigate roundabouts.
Santa Clara Avenue Slow Street barricades removed
The Santa Clara Avenue Slow Street barricades were scheduled to be removed on Thursday, August 7, due to safety concerns related to increased auto volume anticipated with the start of school.
The City Engineer determined that the barricade removal was necessary for public safety based on increased traffic volumes and driver behavior observed during the spring Central Avenue construction detours, which is anticipated to occur again this fall.
The Central Avenue two-way separated bike lanes between Encinal High School and Eighth Street are anticipated to be fully open in October. They will provide a low-stress bikeway in the area.
Santa Clara Avenue is reverting back to a bicycle route with sharrows.
Any questions?
Please direct any questions about the construction and detours via email to [email protected]. More information is available on the City of Alameda Transportation webpage.
