Lafayette Aqueduct Pathway Project
The EBMUD Aqueduct right-of-way in Lafayette runs in an east-west alignment, roughly parallel and adjacent to SR-24 and BART, from the Lafayette Reservoir to developed pathways in Walnut Creek. For years the City has had an agreement with EBMUD to construct a pedestrian and bicycle pathway on top of the right-of-way. Currently portions of the pathway have been constructed west of Dolores Drive.
Within Lafayette's downtown, the pathway right-of-way provides direct connections to BART as well as providing access to new and existing housing sites, employment, and commercial/retail and institutional land uses.
Design work will begin on the pathway project in summer 2025. The work will move the project from conceptual to a final design that's ready for construction.
EBMUD Aqueduct Pathway Study
In 2012 Lafayette completed the "Feasibility and Options Study for a Pedestrian and Bicycle Pathway Along the EBMUD Aqueduct Right of Way" study, which focused on the portion of the ROW within downtown Lafayette, from Risa Road to Brown Avenue. As part of the preparation of this study, the project team partnered with EBMUD, BART, Caltrans, East Bay Regional Park District, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and other key stakeholders to consider conceptual design alternatives related to EBMUD requirements, evaluate pathway suitability and alignment options, identify and evaluate street crossing methods, facilitate conversations to ensure consensus building, and prepare planning-level cost estimates.
The Final Report (February 2012) of the Feasibility and Options Study for a Pedestrian and Bicycle Pathway Along the EBMUD Aqueduct Right of Way in Lafayette can be accessed via the links below:
Preliminary Pages and Table of Contents
3. Policy Context and Design Standards
4. Existing Conditions, Opportunities and Constraints
5. Options Evaluation and Preferred Options
6. Funding and Maintenance Strategy and Benefit-Cost Analysis
7. Phasing Plan and Next Steps
Appendices:
C. Roadway Improvement Measures
E. Consolidated Comments on the Public Review Draft of the Study