ADVOCACY PAYS OFF FOR EASING NORTH BAY CONGESTION

Just days after the Bay Area Council convened top leaders to rally support for fast-tracking the re-opening of a third lane on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) did exactly that. BATA on Wednesday (Feb. 11) approved a plan that could slice up to 18 months off the original schedule for the overall project. Congestion on the bridge during the evening commute is horrendous and adds to existing backups on Highways 101 and 580, as well as clogging local streets. The action by BATA is welcome, but the Council thinks more can be done to move the project along. Even with the accelerated timeline, the project wouldn’t be completed until 2017. Following testimony by the Council and other fast-track supporters, BATA agreed to explore ways to shorten the timeline even more. To engage in the Council’s transportation policy work, contact Policy Associate Emily Loper.