8th and 9th Street Improvement

8th and 9th - aerial image

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  1. Netra resized
    Netra Khatri


    City Engineer

    engineering@cityofarcata.org


    Engineering Department


    Contact the Department


    736 F Street

    Arcata, CA 95521
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    Phone: 707-825-2128

    Emergency: 911


    Hours

    (Excluding Holidays)

    Monday - Friday

    9 a.m. - 5 p.m.


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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. On May 17, 2022, City of Arcata Building & Engineering Department staff introduced the project to the Transportation Safety Committee, defining general goals that 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

In late June, staff and a group of community members completed a field walk along the corridor to better understand conditions and discuss opportunities.  During the walk, it became clear to the group that reinforcing the connection between the Plaza and the Creamery District is critical to support economic vitality. By providing better walking and biking options in the area, the group felt that this could also help reduce vehicle congestion and ease parking challenges.

8th and 9th - concept

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

8th and 9th - Diagram

We are currently working on options on 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, and we will be presenting options later this summer for community feedback.  The City seeks to provide the results of this community driven design to City Council in early Fall and secure authorization to finalize the design.

Please check back regularly for updates.