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4th of July Street Closures: Lake Merritt & Oakland

To combat traffic and parking problems, many streets around Lake Merritt will be closed for the July 4th holiday
By - posted 7/4/2021 No Comment

In an effort to reduce fire hazards and to keep traffic from blocking emergency vehicles, key Oakland routes are closed to vehicles for the July 4th holiday around Lake Merritt.

The closures on Lakeshore and Grand avenues near Lake Merritt are prompted by concerns about access for emergency vehicles, which are impeded by traffic and parking congestion on holidays, according to a release from the Oakland fire Department.

The lake draws several thousand on holidays and cars often double- and triple-park along narrow Lakeshore Avenue, city officials said.

The closures and restrictions on the July 4th holiday will allow for greater access for park visitors, bicyclists, and pedestrians around Lake Merritt, according to the city.

They will also allow for emergency vehicle access when needed.

The closures, which went into effect Saturday and continue Sunday, start at 4 a.m. and continue until midnight:
— Lakeshore Avenue between MacArthur Boulevard and East 18th Street.
— Lakeshore Avenue exit from 580 West. The Grand Avenue exit remains open.
— Streets closed at Lakeshore Avenue are Beacon Street, Boden Way, Brooklyn Avenue, Wayne Avenue and Hanover Avenue.
— El Embarcadero is closed.
— Grand Avenue between MacArthur Boulevard and Bellevue Avenue (east). Open only to Children’s Fairyland ticketholders and local residents.

Road Closures/Parking Restrictions On Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 4 am and continuing until 12 Midnight: Lakeshore Avenue

  • Closed between MacArthur Boulevard and East 18th Street.
  • Lakeshore Ave. Exit from 580 West will be closed. The Grand Ave. Exit will remain open.
  • No parking will be permitted
  • The following streets will be closed at Lakeshore Ave: Beacon St., Boden Way, Brooklyn Ave., Wayne Ave., and Hanover Ave.

El Embarcadero—Closed Grand Avenue

  • Closed between Macarthur Blvd. and Bellevue Ave. (east) Open only to Children’s Fairyland ticketholders and local residents.
  • No Parking will be permitted.
  • Bellevue Ave. Loop and its cross streets will be closed except to residents and Fairyland ticketholders.

These closures and restrictions will improve traffic safety and allow for greater access for park visitors, bicyclists, and pedestrians around this narrow section of Lake Merritt. They will also allow for emergency vehicle access when needed.

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