Jack London Trolley
Streetcar Integration/ Visualization

The overall objective of this effort was to identify the opportunities and constraints associated with integrating a streetcar service on Broadway, an active street in downtown Oakland CA and small loop routes along adjacent streets. The feasibility review considered parallel and angle parking characteristics; roadway and intersection lane widths and designations; traffic congestion levels; intersection geometrics and traffic signal control operations; bike lanes; and bus stop and loading locations. 

The analysis determined that:

• The proposed City Center turn-around area would impact the operations of the traffic signals along Broadway, as special transit signal phasing would have to be introduced, creating additional delay for other traffic.
• Although traffic delays caused by in-lane streetcar stops and maneuvers would cause occasional traffic signal “cycles” to exceed capacity, intervening cycles, would allow traffic to clear and the street to return to normal operations.
• Some of the loop streets have 10 foot lanes, too small for use by the streetcar.
• Delivery schedules on would need to be altered to keep the through travel lanes clear along certain streets.
• Parking maneuvers would hamper streetcar progression and schedule adherence, and streetcar delays would impact general traffic as well.
• Bike lanes and routes would have to be moved off of the streetcar route to avoid hazards to bicyclists riding along or crossing the tracks

Engineering and community involvement will be required to fully address street function and performance, streetscape and character issues related to the multimodal use of streets along the streetcar alignments.   

---
A multimedia presentation will appear above. If you don't see it loading or playing, please download the free industry-standard player by clicking the link below.