San Rafael, CA – The replacement project for Mountain View Road Bridge in Lagunitas, originally constructed in 1962, has progressed to the design concept phase. Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW) engineers will be holding a public meeting on April 26 to present the updated design concepts, review the physical limits and aesthetics of the project, and foster an open discussion regarding the improvements.
The April 26 meeting, a follow up to the March 2016 community workshop, will take place at 6 p.m. on-site at the Mountain View Road Bridge. The 55-year-old bridge spans San Geronimo Creek and connects Sir Francis Drake Boulevard on the north side of the creek with Mountain View Road, about 11 miles west of downtown San Rafael and one mile east of the entrance to Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
DPW engineers and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) determined that the existing bridge, made of steel and timber, needs to be addressed due to safety concerns. The steel supports and wooden beams are in need of replacement, the safety railings do not meet current requirements and erosion of the northern creek bank is undermining the bridge’s foundation. Beyond that, the bridge is only wide enough for one lane of traffic, a point of improvement to be considered in the new design.
In line with DPW’s ongoing effort to protect riparian habitats county-wide, an environmental review is in progress to assess the project area. Based on the review, the project will be tailored to minimize creek impacts and restore the stream bank.
The project is fully funded by the federal Highway Bridge Program, which is administered through Caltrans. DPW has received $15 million to use towards five active bridge replacement projects and one bridge rehabilitation project. The federal grant will be used to conduct environmental studies, perform public outreach, secure permits, perform right-of-way services, develop engineering plans, and to construct each of these bridges. Further information on the six bridges can be found on DPW’s engineering project webpage.
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