Pedestrian SMART Pathway 2nd to Andersen Segment Primed to Receive Lifeline
Echoing points raised by MCBC at the last Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) Board of Commissioners meeting, TAM staff and the San Rafael City Council recognized the need to bring the SMART multi-use path (MUP) between 2nd Street and Andersen Drive up to speed so that the project is not endangered by SMART’s rail extension to Larkspur.
MCBC’s top priority remains getting the MUP segment shovel ready—meaning that it is environmentally cleared and progressing towards final design and engineering—by the time SMART begins construction on the rail extension.
TAM staff presented its updated recommendation for the allocation of regional funds to the San Rafael City Council last Tuesday, September 6. Although the recommendation calls for the $3.1 million available to go to the other two projects under consideration–East Francisco Boulevard sidewalk widening and the Bettini Transit Center redesign–the proposal would also dedicate $250,000 in local funds each for the 2nd to Andersen MUP and Bettini Transit Center.
The $250,000 in local funds would come in addition to $1 million already earmarked for the project by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Together, these funds would ensure that the project advances, making its inclusion with the rail extension much more likely. However, there would still be a projected shortfall of more than $2 million for the remaining construction costs.
The TAM Board will make a decision on the regional funding allocation Thursday, September 22. MCBC will continue to provide updates.
Update 9/16: This article previously stated that TAM staff recommended all of the regional funds go to the East Francisco Boulevard project. It has been corrected above.
