8th and 9th Street Improvement Project

8th and 9th - aerial image

Project Summary

Arcata has commenced a formal planning effort, building upon the momentum of the Plaza Improvement Task Force’s 2020 recommendation to enhance access for all users along 8th and 9th Streets, between K and I Streets. The 8th and 9th Street Improvement Project general goals include:

  • Facilitate public involvement in the planning process
  • Improve access to the Plaza and connectivity to Cal Poly Humboldt, Creamery District and Northtown
  • Increase pedestrian and bicyclist safety
  • Minimize expense to the City's General Fund
  • Beautify the corridor

Consistent with the Task Force recommendations, the project proposes to convert 8th and 9th Streets into one-way operation similar to the adjacent street operations near the Plaza.  The proposed project will result in one-way travel on 9th Street, in the westbound direction, from F to K Street and 8th Street will run in the eastbound direction from K to F Street.  By removing one travel lane, on 8th and 9th Streets, between K and I Streets, a width of about 12 feet is freed for other uses in the public right-of-way. 

8th and 9th - concept

Project Activities

On May 17th, 2022, City of Arcata Engineering Department staff, in collaboration with CSW/ST2 Engineering consultants, introduced the project to the Arcata Transportation Safety Committee.

In late June, staff and our Block Ambassadors, a stakeholder group of community members, completed a field walk along the corridor to better understand conditions and discuss opportunities.  The walk included community representatives from the Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association, Arcata Main Street, the Co-op, Cal Poly Humboldt Sustainability Department, a historic homeowner residing in the project area, and the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities. During the walk, it became clear to the group that reinforcing the connection between the Plaza and the Creamery District is critical to connect the community and support economic vitality. By providing better walking and biking options in the area, the group felt that this could also help reduce vehicle congestion, increase safety, and ease parking challenges.

Staff and the Block Ambassadors meet again mid-September to review and discussed proposed one-way streetscape design studies. The studies were developed based on the Block Ambassador's comments and the general project goals outlined by the 2020 Plaza Improvement Task Force Report.   

 Arcata Engineering Department staff with CSW/ST2 Engineering Consultants, presented a project update with preliminary design studies, to the Arcata Transportation Safety Committee, at the September 20th, 2022 meeting. 

One-Way Travel Streetscape Design Studies

We are currently working on design options of how best to redistribute the available public property within the street to support motor vehicles, parking, delivery, pedestrians, and bicyclists using the corridor.  The City currently has about $850,000 in funding to develop the project. Below we are presenting four preliminary design studies for both 8th Street and 9th Street, each with a different focus.  Please take our survey and to give feedback on the streetscape studies.

8th Street Design Studies

The following studies represent design alternatives for one-way travel on 8th Street between K and I Streets. An icon representation, on a scale of one to four, also accompanies each design study, showing relative: 

  • costcost 
  • bikebicycle
  • pedestrian ped
  • andcarvehicle enhancements
Legend

Study 4A. 8th Street

4A. This study is a streetscape mainly focused on complete streets enhancements, providing a balance of facilities for all modes of transportation; vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian. 8th 4A4A4a

Recommended - Study 5A. 8th Street

8th Street - Option 5A


9th Street Design Studies

The following studies represent design alternatives for one-way travel on 9th Street between K and I Streets. 

Study 1B. 9th Street

1B. This study is a streetscape mainly focused on enhancing bicycle and some pedestrian facilities.  9th 1B1B1b


Recommended - Study 4B. 9th Street

4B. This study is a streetscape mainly focused on complete streets enhancements, providing a balance of facilities for all modes of transportation; vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian. 9th 4B4B4b

Next Steps

The City seeks to provide the results of this community driven design to City Council in late Fall and secure authorization to finalize the design.

Please check back regularly for updates.