Roadway to be Named Ron Cowan Parkway

A new roadway crossing Oakland International Airport (OAK) opened recently, marking the  completion of a major construction project that significantly improves access between the airport, Interstate-880, and Bay Farm Island, at the south end of Alameda.

The new roadway between OAK and Harbor Bay Parkway is the final phase of a $120 million project aimed at improving airport and freeway access for Alameda residents and businesses. The project was spurred by a $65 million contribution from Measure B, the 1986 voter initiative that authorized Alameda County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

“Oakland International Airport has always been about convenience,” said Steven J. Grossman, director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland. “The improved roadway will ease traffic congestion, especially as we prepare for the spring and summer travel season.”

The 98th Avenue-I-880 freeway interchange that opened in 1998 was the initial phase of the project. The 98th Avenue project includes a widened and improved roadway, a new six-lane bridge over San Leandro Creek, and a grade-separated interchange that replaced a busy and congested surface intersection at 98th and Doolittle Drive, improving traffic flow and safety throughout the area. The 98th Avenue Exit on I-880 is now the easiest and most direct route to OAK.

A ceremony slated for late spring will dedicate the roadway to Ronald H. Cowan, an Alameda real estate developer at Harbor Bay Island. Cowan, 65, is also known for championing regional water transit alternatives.

“Oakland International Airport has had a long-standing relationship with Ron Cowan,” said Tay Yoshitani, executive director of the Port of Oakland. “We’re glad that we can dedicate this special project in honor of that relationship.”