Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is rolling out a package of near-term upgrades around Walnut Creek BART as part of its INNOVATE 680 program—and they’re actively asking riders, nearby residents, and businesses to weigh in.
The plan would begin transforming the station area into a “Shared Mobility Hub,” a place where walking, biking, transit, carpool and ride-hail connect more smoothly, with clearer wayfinding and safer streets. Here’s overall details on the project from Contra Costa Transportation Authority and also a fact sheet specific to WC.
What’s on the table right now
The fact sheet outlines Phase 1 elements CCTA is pursuing around the station, including:
- New and upgraded bike facilities: a Class II bike lane on Riviera Ave (Station Way to Parkside Dr) plus protected/Class IV segments and “bike stair channels” to reach bike parking.
- Safer walking connections and clearer signs: dedicated pedestrian paths, easy-to-read maps, and live arrival time displays.
- Pick-up/drop-off that actually works: a defined area for taxis and ride-hail to reduce conflicts and circling.
- E-bike charging and small public-realm upgrades: landscaping/hardscape changes to make the station edges more comfortable.
- Targeted traffic tweaks: “no right turn on red” where warranted and upgraded signal detection to improve crossings.
The plan also seems to include autonomous shuttles, though we found little mention of them beyond a video shared by CCTA.
Several blocks near the station are shown on the concept map, with notes about parking removal on segments of Riviera Ave to make room for the bikeway and better curb management—one of the more visible changes neighbors will notice if it moves ahead.
The bigger picture
Walnut Creek’s Shared Mobility Hub is one of several being advanced along the I-680 corridor (alongside Martinez and San Ramon). The goal is to make first/last-mile trips simpler so more people can get to rail and bus without driving solo. This sits alongside BART’s parallel station modernization work and the buildout of the Walnut Creek Transit Village.
Timeline
CCTA’s snapshot shows work progressing from early concept through design, environmental review and a Phase 1 construction start targeted for 2027—with public input points along the way, including right now.
How to give feedback
CCTA and partner agencies are circulating a short online survey asking what would make your Walnut Creek BART experience better (examples: safer crossings, easier drop-offs, clearer wayfinding, better bike access). If you use the station—or live or work nearby—they want to hear from you.
Here it is on Facebook:
Why this matters for Walnut Creek
If implemented, Phase 1 would:
- Make Ygnacio/California and Riviera/Parkside approaches safer and more intuitive for people on foot and bike, CCTA says.
- Reduce pickup/drop-off chaos by organizing curb space and improving sightlines.
- Help riders plan trips at a glance using live arrival signs and better wayfinding.
CCTA frames the hub as a first step toward a more connected station district that ties better into Downtown Walnut Creek—complementing BART’s ongoing station upgrades and the Transit Village build-out.
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