The $2.1 million Haven Avenue Street Improvement Project closed a key gap in the San Francisco Bay Trail. Specifically, the project connects Bedwell Bayfront Park and Seaport Avenue. It extends about 0.25 miles from Marsh Road and Bayfront Expressway to Haven Court. As a result, the improved roadway provides a safer and more direct connection between Menlo Park, San Mateo County, and Redwood City. In addition, the project added new Class I and Class II bicycle facilities along Haven Avenue. Furthermore, improvements included ADA-compliant curb ramps, new curb and gutter, and green pavement markings at conflict zones. At the same time, crews upgraded corridor lighting, modified traffic signals at Marsh Road, and rebuilt drainage inlets.
A key feature of the project was the new Haven Avenue Pedestrian Bridge over Atherton Channel. The 35-foot-long steel truss bridge provides a dedicated trail connection across the channel. To reduce impacts to water flow, the bridge was designed to clear-span the channel. In addition, its design meets FEMA Base Flood Elevation requirements. The project also addressed several utility conflicts. For example, an existing PG&E 12kV electrical pole was located within the channel. Therefore, the design included added pole support and a notched bridge footing to avoid the existing foundation. Moreover, other improvements included utility cover adjustments and bicycle-proof grates.
BKF Engineers provided design, utility coordination, and structural engineering services to the City of Menlo Park. Throughout the project, the team worked closely with agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders to address design and construction needs. For instance, BKF coordinated with Caltrans District 4 and the Department of Structures. As a result, the team helped secure approval to place the pedestrian bridge within State right-of-way. In addition, BKF worked with crane specialists during early design. Together, the team developed a staged bridge construction plan. This plan successfully avoided conflicts with overhead electrical lines.
