Caltrans proposes phased Tiburon Boulevard repaving with protected bike lanes; residents and school officials warn bus-stop safety risks

Caltrans presented a phased plan for repaving and safety upgrades on SR‑131 (Tiburon Boulevard) at a public forum hosted by the Town of Tiburon, proposing to move forward with a partial, Phase 1 package while reserving more complex safety fixes for a Phase 2. The agency said the work is funded now but must be designed and delivered on a tight schedule to avoid losing about $12.7 million in construction capital.

The project as presented by Wajahat Niaz, deputy district director for design at Caltrans District 4, calls for preserving existing pavement across about 12.5 lane‑miles, upgrades to 42 curb ramps, roughly 100 linear feet of new sidewalk, guardrail updates and a mix of Class 1, 2 and 4 bike facilities totaling about 5.5 miles. Niaz said CAPM projects are intended to “preserve existing pavement and extend service life of the pavement,” and that the funding program imposes limits on scope and timing. “This particular project has estimate of $12,700,000 construction capital,” he said.

Why it matters: Caltrans warned that pausing the project to redesign could risk losing the current funding, increase pavement deterioration and raise future repair costs. Residents and school officials countered that an early build of on‑street protected bike lanes between Trestle Glen and Blackfield Drive would block existing bus stops and create safety risks for children unless bus stops are redesigned or moved.

Caltrans’ phased proposal and constraints

Caltrans offered two options: (1) advance a Phase 1 that delivers most pavement rehabilitation and some bikeway, guardrail and curb‑ramp work (and to incorporate broadband if detailed plans and funding agreements are ready), then program a Phase 2 (proposed for FY2027) to address remaining issues; or…