The Oakland Alameda Access Project Update and Next Steps 

I'm writing today to provide you with an update on the proposed Oakland Alameda Access Project and ask for your help.

The Oakland Alameda Access Project (OAAP), led by the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC), is a $152 million effort to improve connections between I-880, I-980, and the cities of Oakland and Alameda.

The goal is to enhance freeway access for Alameda residents and businesses while improving safety and equity in Oakland Chinatown. After over 20 years of collaboration, the project is now nearing the construction phase.

While we expected some closures of the Webster and Posey Tubes, the current plan calls for continuous single-lane closures for up to two years in the Posey Tube (Alameda to Oakland) and eight months in the Webster Tube (Oakland to Alameda)—much longer than originally anticipated.

City staff, alongside WABA, have raised concerns about how these long-term closures will affect bus riders, drivers, and businesses. Although experts are reviewing plans and exploring alternatives, the potential impact on businesses during the 18-24 month timeline is alarming. There's no viable rerouting plan, and the Alameda CTC has yet to offer effective transportation alternatives. The lack of transparency with key stakeholders, including business associations, is equally troubling.

While we remain hopeful for a favorable resolution, we can’t rely on optimism alone. That’s why I’m writing to you today—our partners at the City have laid out an action plan, and WABA will continue to support their efforts. But your voice is crucial too.

Action Steps:

  • Email or Speak at This Thursday’s CTC Meeting (2 PM):
    Submit comments, even though there’s no agenda item. Suggested points:

    • Thank the Commission for their collaboration

    • Stress the need to reduce lane closures

    • Share how the project will impact your business or community

    • Highlight the importance of public engagement

  • Attend or Comment at the December 5 CTC Meeting:
    New commissioners will be present, and we’ll need to keep this issue front and center.

For questions or concerns about construction mitigations, you can reach out to Abby Thorne-Lyman, Director of Base Reuse and Economic Development, at athornelyman@alamedaca.gov.

Feel free to contact me directly as well. Thank you for your support and advocacy.

Elissa Glickman, Executive Director
West Alameda Business Association (WABA)
elissa@westalamedabusiness.com
Cell: 323-309-3093

 

For more information and resources, visit the Alameda CTC's project webpage: Oakland Alameda Access Project

You can also view the Alameda City Council informational update presented by City Manager Jennifer Ott here (item 7-C).

Jody Colley Designs