The City of Oakley has announced that the long awaited E. Cypress Road Project, Phase 1, has began and will be completed in 2025.
According to the city, this first phase from Knightsen Avenue to the Contra Costa Canal crossing is expected to be completed in 2025.
The city says the E Cypress Road widening project will be in three total phases at a total cost of $41 million.
- Construction of Phase 1 (Knightsen Avenue to the Contra Costa Canal crossing just west of Jersey Island Road) is currently underway;
- Phase 2 (Conta Costa Canal and Jersey Island Road intersection) (note – design is underway)
- Phase 3 (Jersey Island Road to Bethel Island Road) is also currently underway. The third phase of the project is estimated to be completed by Spring 2027. (design underway)
The challenge for the city is the combination of funds for each project has its own funding structures and pulling money and grants. However, the city says Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the E. Cypress Road Widening project are fully funded and proceeding on schedule. The city has also been working on pursing funding to construct Phase 3.
Like most cities, the City of Oakley has also been dealing with cost increases while trying to budget for the project and kept seeing increased costs.
According to Danielle Navarro, Assistant City Manager, phase one was originally $8.9 million, but has increased to $11 million. While the Laurel Road widening project jumped from $2.5 million to $8 million
Oakley Mayor Anissa Williams was glad to see the project start and was appreciative of everyone effort in making it happen.
“After years of focus and investment from the city, I am very excited that this very important public safety project has finally kicked off. I can honestly say E Cypress Road has been a priority for the entire council from Day 1 after this council was seated,” said Williams. “Funding sources and costs have been an issue with the increased costs and money available which caused delays along with legal issues such as right of way and acquiring the land needed. It feels good to see some light at the end of the tunnel in this effort.”
Williams also cautioned residents to be patient during the construction and use caution while driving down E Cypress over the next few years.
Oakley Vice Mayor Shannon Shaw echoed Williams sentiments.
“Upon completion, this will be a win for the entire community,” said Shaw. “The road will be safer not just for Oakley residents, but those in unincorporated Contra Costa County who use it for access. Its been a long time coming for the city and I thank the council for making this a priority and our staff for working hard to make it happen.”
Previous Stories:
- July 12 – Asm Wilson Announces E Cypress Road Expansion Gets $2 Million in Funding
- Jan 14 – Oakley Provides Update on E Cypress Road Widening Project