680 Express Lane Project from Livorna to 242

June 2024

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority and CalTrans are studying a plan to extend the express lane from Livorna Road to the 242 interchange. The project may affect traffic and noise levels in and around Parkmead. The public comment period ends June 24, 2024.

More information on the project can be found here.

Measure J Improvements at Parkmead Elementary

May 2024

The Walnut Creek School District is using Measure J funding to modernize classrooms, upgrade technology and improve safety for students at Parkmead Elementary. The first phase of construction will occur during the summer of 2024 from May 31 to August 13 and will focus on upgrades to the existing structures and classrooms. The second phase is planned for the summer of 2025 and will include a new classroom and play structure for the kindergarten area as well as a redesigned parking lot and traffic circle. The Parkmead campus will be closed during construction.

The district hopes to limit the impact of construction on the neighborhood but has provided a hotline for those affected (925-944-6850 x2044). More information can be found here.

Proposed Changes to Newell Avenue - Lane reductions to accommodate bicycle lane and crosswalks

October 2022

Staff at the City of Walnut Creek are proposing multiple changes along the Newell Avenue corridor between the City limit to the west (680 Freeway where Newell enters our neighborhood) and Newell Hill Place to the east. The project consists of changes at the intersections and along Newell Avenue to enhance pedestrian safety, provide a low-stress bicycle facility, and install a mid-block crosswalk at Kaiser Hospital.

These changes will necessitate removing a driving lane in each direction on Newell as well as removing some turn lanes at certain intersections. Timing of the traffic signals will also be modified which will lead to increased delays for cars along the route.

The PCA has been in contact with the City traffic engineering staff to make sure we are included as a stakeholder in discussions should this project move forward. At this point the project is in the planning stage and staff hasn’t provided any timeline for when they will be reaching out to stakeholders or when the project might move forward.

The staff report on this proposal can be found here, and the video of the presentation to the Transportation Commission can be found here.