Mission Boulevard

Hayward, CA

Phase 2 of the Mission Boulevard Corridor Improvement Project transformed a congested and bare segment of the roadway into a vibrant, multi-modal corridor by implementing sustainable landscaping, state-of-the-art technology, and infrastructure upgrades. Guided by the City of Hayward's Complete Streets and Complete Communities Strategic Initiative, the refreshed streetscape includes new Class IV bike lanes with raised landscape buffers, widened sidewalks, energy-efficient lighting, a renovated gateway plaza at Blanche Street, stormwater inlets, and underground utilities.

As the project landscape architect in collaboration with prime consultant BKF Engineers, GATES was integral to the successful completion of this $27 million project, providing bike and pedestrian-friendly improvements aligned with the City’s “Green Street” policy concept. A key segment of the project was the Blanche Gateway Plaza renovation, which featured community-informed seating areas and a new monument sign welcoming visitors entering the city from the south.

This project was completed in 2020.

Awards

2021 ACEC Award of Merit

Key Considerations

Addressing Infrastructure Challenges with Environmentally-Sustainable Approaches

An existing 12-inch cement-treated base (CTB) extended under the entire boulevard, blocking water from percolating in rainy weather and preventing medians from being irrigated. To avoid the significant expenses of removing the CTB or environmental damage by allowing it to remain, our team devised an innovative strategy that involved drilling through the CTB and creating gravel sumps where trees were to be planted. This enabled water to drain without requiring the disposal of CTB waste material. It also ensured the area could benefit from as much "greening" as possible in a cost-effective way.

Honoring City Initiatives and Policies

The design team followed ReScape Guidelines to align with Hayward’s Complete Streets and Complete Communities Initiative and the City’s Green Street Policy Concept. Features included recycled paving materials that reduce landfill waste, drought-tolerant, locally-sourced, and low-water-use plants, a high-efficiency "smart" irrigation system, planted habitat areas, and eco-friendly materials that support sustainability.