Interchange opens to all types of traffic

BERKELEY

Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians now have a safer passage to Bay Trail

The Gilman Street interchange along Interstate 80 in Berkeley is now open to vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. The recently completed $100 million project was funded through a combination of local, state and federal sources. Photos by Jane Tyska — staff photographer

Bicyclists use a bike path near the Gilman Street interchange after a project four years in the making was recently opened.

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By Laura A. Oda and Jane Tyska

Bay Area News Group

BERKELEY — The Gilman Street interchange project had been in development for several years prior to its groundbreaking in May 2021.

After four years of construction, which caused temporary closures and detours, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held Monday to mark the official opening of the new interchange that gives motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians access to a safer, less chaotic intersection at Gilman Street at the Eastshore Freeway in Berkeley near the Albany border.

The project includes two roundabouts, bicycle and pedestrian paths and road improvements, opening up a clear and safe passage to the Bay Trail and waterfront.

The $100 million effort was a collaboration between Caltrans, the Alameda County Transportation Commission, and the cities of Berkeley and Albany, according to a press release. Funding for the project came from the State Transportation Improvement Program, voter-approved Measure BB funds and local and regional partners such as the city of Berkeley, East Bay MUD and the Bay Area Air District.