news Central Marin Ferry Connection Project

The Central Marin Ferry Connection Project (CMFCP) was first identified in the 2001 Marin County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as one of the top 25 most important projects in Marin County. The CMFCP will provide a much-needed safe bike/ped crossing of East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Corte Madera Creek, as well as provide a connection to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal via East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. This project will close a significant gap in Marin’s North-South Greenway, allowing for safe and easy access to the Larkspur Ferry from the North and to the Cal Park Pathway and Tunnel from the South and West.

On April 28, 2014, construction began on the first phase of the CMFCP project, which will result in a new bicycle/pedestrian bridge over East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near the former train trestle adjacent to the Larkspur Ferry terminal. Currently, many cyclists navigate dangerous traffic conditions in the vicinity; this project will eliminate many of these dangers for cyclists and pedestrians. This first phase, funded primarily with Regional Measure 2 and Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) funds, is expected to be completed in spring of 2015.

The second phase of the Central Marin Ferry Connection Project will build a crossing over Corte Madera Creek which will be attached to the existing freeway overcrossing structure. This second phase is fully funded and is in final design with an expected construction date of 2017.

The third phase of the project, which will provide a pathway along the SMART right-of-way between Corte Madera Creek and Wornum Drive, is currently undergoing surveying and early preliminary design. It is also fully funded and is expected to be completed in 2019.

The CMFCP is a major priority project for MCBC and a key feature in Marin’s bicycle/pedestrian network. MCBC is excited by the significant progress being made on this project and commends TAM staff and the TAM Board for its leadership in bringing this project toward completion.

Background

In 2001, the MCBC collaborated with the City of Larkspur to apply for Bay Trail planning funds to complete an alternatives analysis for safe non-motorized access in this area. From 2002 until April 2004, the following agencies participated in a process which resulted in the selection of a project alternative (1B: a new high-level bridge with an off-ramp to SFDB): City of Larkspur, Town of Corte Madera, Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, County of Marin, Caltrans, BCDC, and the Marin County Bicycle Coalition.