In 2011, The County of Marin Department of Public Works received a Safe Pathways to Schools grant for $653,000 from the Transportation Authority of Marin to improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities near Edna Maguire School, Lagunitas School, and Miller Creek School. The Safe Pathways grant program is a component of Measure A, the transportation sales tax measure passed by Marin voters in 2004.
On Thursday, May 30, bids were received and the apparent low bidder was Coastside Concrete of Santa Rosa at $425,811.25. Award of the contract is anticipated in the next week with construction starting in the end of June 2013. Work at all locations will be complete before the start of the school year in August 2013.
The Edna Maguire School project will install new sidewalk closing a gap of approximately 1,015 feet along the north side of Lomita Drive from Shell Court to Greenfield Court, along with drainage improvements and new uphill bike lanes. The Lagunitas School project includes crosswalk improvements on the north side of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to shorten the existing crosswalk length making it safer for pedestrians. The Miller Creek School project includes curb extensions into the parking lane on either side of the existing crosswalk on Las Gallinas Avenue and a new curb ramp at Elvia Court.
Supervisor Kate Sears said, “The sidewalk gap closure and bike lanes for Edna Maguire School on Lomita Drive will provide safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging students and people of all ages to walk, bike, and enjoy the beauty of nearby Marin County “Horse Hill” Open Space Preserve.” Supervisor Susan Adams hailed the improvements saying, “Shortening the long walk across Las Gallinas to the busy Miller Creek School will really help protect our children.” And Supervisor Steve Kinsey said, “Twice a day, the Lagunitas School intersection becomes San Geronimo’s version of Times Square. So, I’m very pleased that this long- awaited Sir Francis Drake crossing will be made much safer before school resumes this fall.”