San Rafael, CA – The first phase of rehabilitation for 1.6 miles of the popular Mill Valley-Sausalito Multiuse Pathway has just wrapped up after three months of construction and the second phase is lined up to start Tuesday, September 5.
The second phase of the pathway work will take place between East Blithdale Avenue and Almonte Boulevard. The scenic route connects two of southern Marin’s cities, facilitating nonmotorized access to neighborhoods, shops, schools, several sports fields and a dog park. The new improvements include a repaved 0.7-mile stretch of pathway from East Blithedale Avenue to Vasco Court in Mill Valley that was widened to meet statewide bicycle and pedestrian safety standards.
The second phase of rehabilitation will focus on the 0.9-mile stretch from East Blithedale Avenue to Almonte Boulevard, just south of the Phase 1 work. This section is heavily used by commuters as well as being a popular recreational route for the community on the waterfront adjacent to northern Richardson Bay. While this stretch of path already meets preferred bicycle standards, the pavement and shoulders are in need of repair. The extensive rehabilitation of uneven and damaged pavement will increase user experience of the scenic path.
The second phase of the project carries a price $384,873, compared with the $224,775 cost of the first phase. The project is fully funded by a Federal Priority Conservation Area grant and Marin County Parks’ Measure A funds. The construction is expected to be completed by the end of November, weather permitting. The work will take place on weekdays and may require some detours that will be controlled with signage. Every effort will be made to minimize any inconvenience to the daily path users.
The project, a coordinated effort between Parks and Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW), targeted the September start date to ensure that the nesting season of a shorebird called the Ridgway’s Rail was not impacted. For several months each year, the endangered bird can be found in Bothin Marsh, a 106-acre wetland preserve that is traversed by the multiuse pathway.
The environmental preservation of Bothin Marsh, home to a vital and biologically diverse ecosystem, has played a crucial role in the project’s planning. DPW and Parks have worked closely with specialists to take precautions to ensure that the marshland and wildlife are not adversely impacted by the project. Building on this process, Parks soon will begin developing a Bothin Marsh plan with the community to address sections of the path and marsh south of the current paving project. The goal of the plan will be to safeguard the wildlife habitat and the pathway in light of the region’s expected sea level rise.
“The community is enthusiastic about these improvements,” said R.J. Suokko, DPW Senior Civil Engineer. “This popular pathway is very important to pedestrians and cyclists of all ages, and the work we are doing will help the route stay functional and enjoyable for many more years.”