San Rafael, CA – Marin County drivers love to ride on freshly paved roads, but let’s not forget that bike riders and walkers feel the same way about their paved pathways. Human-powered movers will be the beneficiaries of several pathway improvement projects underway this summer by the Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW).
A gravel pathway in San Quentin Village will be paved later this year.
“Investing in and upgrading our pathways is the healthy thing to do,” says DPW Director Raul Rojas. “We’re the
healthiest county in California. Mountain biking was basically invented here. Human-powered commuting and recreation improves the quality of life for everyone. It’s not just a policy gimmick.
“Health and Human Services and Parks are partnering with us to support the Board of Supervisors’ priorities in encouraging active options. We see upgrading our pathways as key to changing people’s patterns for the better.”
Here are four pathway projects on the DPW work schedule:
The Corte Madera Creek Pathway Widening Project started in mid-June and will enhance the stretch of path between the College of Marin campus in Kentfield and the Ross town limit at the Kentfield Rehabilitation Hospital. Construction requires a full closure of the pathway, and detours are set up on Kent and Poplar avenues. The target completion is just prior to the return to session of nearby schools. Maggiora & Ghilotti Inc. of San Rafael is handling the $434,434 project, which was funded by grant money and Measure A tax revenue.
The Miller Creek Road Class II Bike Lane Project started in the Marinwood area in late June and should be finished by October. The project will provide buffered bike lanes between Las Gallinas and Marinwood avenues, reconstruction of curb returns to provide shorter crossing distances for pedestrians, and traffic calming effects, compliant facilities for those with physical disabilities, and minor drainage improvements. W.R. Forde Associates of Richmond is overseeing the $406,559 project, which was funded by a grant and General Fund contingency money.
The McAllister Avenue Sidewalk Gap Closure in Kentfield is scheduled to begin in mid-July and be finished by the start of the academic year for nearby Bacich Elementary School and Kent Middle School. The project, which was aided by the Safe Routes to Schools committee, provides about 200 linear feet of new concrete on the east side of McAllister Avenue between Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Stadium Way. The work will also include one accessible curb ramp, crosswalk striping and minor asphalt upgrades. The $98,870 contract, sourced by the County’s Road and Bridge Rehabilitation Fund, has been awarded to W.R. Forde Associates.
The San Quentin Village Sidewalk Gap Closure begins in August and should last about three months. The project involves building a new five-foot wide sidewalk along the entire 13,000-foot length of the south side of Main Street to improve pedestrian access from San Quentin State Penitentiary to the Highway 580 transit stop. In addition to the sidewalk, work will include two retaining walls, a concrete curb, a gutter, drainage improvements, accessible curb ramps, pavement striping and new road signs. The $676,363 contract will be awarded during the July 12 meeting of the Board of Supervisors. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is footing the bill.