San Rafael, CA – The next major step in the Central Marin Ferry Connection Multiuse Pathway Project will get underway in late March, moving Marin County closer to a milestone in nonmotorized transportation.
To construct an elevated crossing over Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, road crews will shut down traffic on the busy thoroughfare between Highway 101 and the Larkspur Ferry Terminal for at least two nights as the pre-fabricated bridge structure is erected and installed. The first closure is to take place from 10:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, until 4:30 a.m. Friday, March 27; the second closure will be from 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, until 6 a.m. Saturday, March 28. The closure will result in detours for nighttime and early morning drivers.
Once the bridge is completed, bicyclists and pedestrians will have a safe and separate pathway free of motorized vehicles between San Rafael through the Cal Park Hill Multiuse Pathway to the ferry terminal.
“Not only will this promote walking and biking, but it will enhance safety for those committed to using human power to get around,” said Raul Rojas, Marin County Public Works Director. “There will be a couple of days of minor inconvenience due to the bridge installation, so we’re doing everything we can to notify people well in advance to plan for the road closure.”
The Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW) is overseeing the construction of the multiuse path designed and funded by the Transportation Authority of Marin. Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) and the City of Larkspur also are stakeholders. A variety of federal, state and local funds have been used to deliver the project.
Engineers and work crews plan to bring in three sections on Monday, March 23. Once completed, the bridge will close the gap in the north/south greenway connecting the Cal Park Hill Multiuse Pathway, located on the north side of Drake Boulevard, to an access ramp leading down to an existing multiuse pathway on the south side of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
Marin DPW is notifying local businesses and residents by mail about the impending closure. In addition, the contractor is required to hand-deliver notices to those in the immediate area. Electronic message boards will be in place two weeks prior to the closure and the announcements will be distributed to patrons of the Larkspur Ferry, Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit. Nearby cities, towns, schools, homeowners associations, public safety agencies and media are being notified. Marin DPW requests that drivers use caution when travelling through the construction zone, observe the signs and slow down.
The connection project is intended to further promote nonmotorized commute alternatives and enhance recreational travel while providing safe, direct and convenient pedestrian/bicycle access between local transit facilities, schools, business centers and residential communities. The pathway also provides a connection to the future Larkspur station for the SMART system.
Marin DPW has been involved in numerous construction projects and efforts designed to enhance nonmotorized transportation, including the Enfrente-Commuter Connection in Novato, the Los Ranchitos/Las Gallinas bike lanes in San Rafael, road shoulder widening along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near Fairfax and several stairway and sidewalk projects in Mill Valley, Larkspur and Tiburon. The projects serve people of all ages and abilities, and provide safe, convenient places to walk or ride.
Watch a video simulation of the completed bridge and find more information about traffic detours on www.marinferryconnection.com.