San Rafael, CA – Getting around near the Marin County Civic Center will be easier and safer within the next year. The final project design of planned improvements along Civic Center Drive in San Rafael will be discussed at an October 28 workshop before the Marin County Board of Supervisors.
The idea behind the project is to simplify circulation and enhance the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle drivers in the area between the future commuter train station near McInnis Parkway and the intersection of Civic Center Drive and Peter Behr Drive near Lagoon Park.
The features of the project include:
- A roundabout at Civic Center/Peter Behr drives
- Buffered bicycle lanes along both sides of the roadway
- A separated two-way bicycle path along Civic Center Drive
- New bus stops at McInnis Parkway
- Improved streetlights
- Wayfinding signage
- Enhanced landscaping
The transportation improvement project is planned to precede two other major projects in the area: The construction of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) station underneath Highway 101 at McInnis Parkway, and the anticipated construction of a permanent farmers market facility on a vacant lot adjacent to Civic Center Drive and the SMART station. The light-rail system is expected to start running trains sometime in 2016. In June 2014, Marin voters approved Measure B, which enables the organization that runs the farmers market to plan for administrative offices, a two-story market hall, a café, vendor tables, a conference room and parking canopies on the vacant lot, known as the Christmas tree lot.
Staff from the Marin County Department of Public Works will lead the discussion at 9 a.m. October 28 in Board chamber at the Civic Center. Project details are available on the Public Works website.