STREET DESIGN: POLK STREET

Polk Street Key Map

There are two alternative street designs proposed for Polk Street, as shown below in the diagram.

The “Complete Street” alternative would calm Polk St by adding parking-protected bike lanes.

The “Plaza Promenade” alternative would transform Polk Street on the City Hall block into one with a strong pedestrian emphasis, while also enhancing its role as a major bicycle route.

Plaza Promenade Complete Street Existing

Polk Street: Existing Conditions

Plaza Promenade Complete Street Existing

Polk Street: Complete Street

Plaza Promenade Complete Street Existing

Polk Street: Plaza Promenade

EXISTING

COMPLETE STREET

PLAZA PROMENADE

Pedestrian Safety and Comfort

Pedestrian Safety and Comfort
  • High-injury corridor north of McAllister
  • Very wide intersection crossings with multiple conflicts
  • Narrowed intersection crossings
  • Raised intersection crossing at Fulton central axis
  • Special paving, upgraded sidewalk furnishings, new trees and planting areas
  • Significant pedestrian-priority upgrades on all blocks
  • City Hall/Plaza block designed as shared street to connect City Hall with Plaza to improve safety and provide new public gathering space
  • Special paving, new trees and sidewalk furnishings

Bike Facility

Bike Facility
  • Bikes Lanes lanes north of Grove, and from Grove to Market southbound
  • Protected contra-flow northbound bike lane from Market to Grove St
  • Parking-protected one-way bike lanes
  • Fully-separated two-way bike path/multi-use trail

Transit Service

Transit Service
  • 21-Hayes (southbound direction only) from Grove to Market
  • No changes proposed
  • No changes proposed

Traffic Lanes and Volumes

Traffic Lanes and Volumes
  • 2 southbound lanes + 1 northbound lane north of Grove, 2 southbound lanes south of Grove
  • Increasing traffic volumes approaching Market
  • 2 southbound lanes + 1 northbound lane north of Grove, 2 southbound lanes south of Grove
  • Moderate traffic volumes
  • 1 southbound lane between McAllister and Grove, 2 southbound lanes south of Grove
  • Lower traffic volumes

Vehicle Access

Vehicle Access
  • One-way southbound-only for vehicles between Market and Grove
  • No access or circulation changes proposed
  • One-way southbound-only for vehicles south of McAllister

Loading and Parking

Loading and Parking
  • Parallel or diagonal parking/loading on both sides of street on City Hall/Plaza block
  • Parallel parking/loading on one side of block between Hayes and Grove
  • Loading only between Hayes and Market
  • Parallel parking/loading on both sides of street on City Hall/Plaza block
  • Parallel parking/loading on one side of block between Hayes and Grove
  • Loading only between Hayes and Market
  • City Hall loading only on City Hall/Plaza block, if any accommodated
  • Parallel parking/loading on one side of block between Hayes and Grove
  • Loading only between Hayes and Market

NOTE: The images above show how each option might look on the block adjacent to Civic Center Plaza. Please note that the design changes from block to block. A PDF plan view showing the conceptual design for other blocks is available for download below.

Full Polk Street Design Plan