Huge bicycle and pedestrian improvements at North Berkeley Station
BART has successfully completed a transformation of North Berkeley Station that will make it easier for more people to walk and bike to the station. The work also sets the stage for the future transit-oriented development (TOD) project at North Berkeley, which will bring hundreds of affordable homes to the community.
"As Mayor of Berkeley, I was a staunch supporter of projects like these North Berkeley bicycle and pedestrian access improvements that allow people to access BART safely utilizing active transportation modes,” said District 7 State Senator Jesse Arreguin. “As Senator, I am proud that the state supports sustainable transportation projects, in this case with $3.4 million from the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program.”
“I’m thrilled to see the completion of the North Berkeley Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Project,” said BART Director Barnali Ghosh. “These improvements make it safer and easier for people to walk, bike, and connect to BART. Delivering these community benefits years before the first North Berkeley TOD building opens reflects BART’s strong and lasting commitment to North Berkeley.”
Key upgrades at North Berkeley BART Station include:
- The widening of the Ohlone Greenway between the Acton Street/Virginia Street intersection and Virginia Gardens.
- A new speed table (a raised section of road designed to slow down vehicles) and raised crosswalk in front of the station entrance.
- New two-way cycle tracks along the BART access roads.
- New bike lockers for larger cargo bikes.
- Installation of an ADA-compliant ramp linking Sacramento Street to the station elevator.
- Public space enhancements including new bollards, storm water management features, landscaping, and pedestrian-scale lighting.
“The North Berkeley access improvements are just the beginning,” said Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii. “With more than 700 homes approved at North Berkeley BART and a similar number planned at Ashby, we’re showing that Berkeley can build more housing while making it easier for everyone to move safely and sustainably through our community.”
The improvements at North Berkeley have come as BART has worked closely with the City of Berkeley and a team of housing developers on the future transit-oriented development at the station. The TOD will complement the surrounding walkable residential neighborhood and nearby shopping corridor on University Avenue.
The development team, North Berkeley Housing Partners, is advancing a plan that includes about 750 homes, roughly half affordable to residents with lower incomes. The plan also calls for new public open space over the underground BART tracks, a childcare center, and about 6,500 feet in retail space. The City of Berkeley laid the foundation for the project with an extensive community engagement process. Work on the TOD is expected to begin in 2026.