news Pathway Upgrades Coming for Bike Riders, Walkers
People who ride bikes or walk in Marin County will benefit from several pathway improvement projects underway this summer by the Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW).
“Investing in and upgrading our pathways is the healthy thing to do,” says DPW Director Raul Rojas. “We’re the healthiest county in California. 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.”
Four pathway projects on the DPW schedule include:
Corte Madera Creek Pathway Widening Project
Started in mid-June, this 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 has required a full closure of the pathway, and detours are set up on Kent and Poplar avenues. The target completion date is just prior to the return to session of nearby schools. Maggiora & Ghilotti Inc. of San Rafael is handling the project, which was funded by grant money and Measure A tax revenue.
Miller Creek Road Class II Bike Lane Project
Started in the Marinwood area in late June, this 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 project, which was funded by a grant and General Fund contingency money.
McAllister Avenue Sidewalk Gap Closure in Kentfield
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 contract, sourced by the County’s Road and Bridge Rehabilitation Fund, has been awarded to W.R. Forde Associates.
San Quentin Village Sidewalk Gap Closure
Commencing in August and estimated to last about three months, this 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 contract will be awarded during a meeting of the Board of Supervisors. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is footing the bill.
