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Caltrans details $7.15 million Freitas Parkway roundabout, says construction could start in May
Summary
Caltrans and AECOM presented the finalized Manuel T. Freitas Parkway roundabout and ADA improvements adjacent to US‑101, describing a single‑lane roundabout, relocated bus stop, new bike facilities and a roughly six‑month construction schedule; award is pending after bids opened last November.
Caltrans told the San Rafael City Council on Feb. 3 that construction on a planned roundabout at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway and the US‑101 frontage could begin around May and take roughly six months.
Daniel, a Caltrans project manager, described the project as a safety and accessibility improvement that will reconstruct curb, sidewalk and curb ramps to be ADA compliant, remove an existing staircase, relocate a northbound bus stop onto Redwood Highway and add a single‑lane roundabout at Redwood Highway and Civic Center Drive. “The purpose and need of this project … is pedestrian safety,” Daniel said during the presentation.
The presentation said the construction capital cost is about $7,150,000 (2024 dollars). Caltrans officials said bids opened last November and award is pending; the agency expects to approve the contract in the coming months. Matt Corby, lead designer with AECOM, summarized a seven‑stage staging plan that includes one weekend closure and limited night work during that closure window to accelerate construction and improve worker and driver safety.
Why it matters: The intersection currently forces pedestrians to walk lengthy, indirect routes and to cross loop ramps without controlled crossings. Caltrans said moving the bus stop and building a protected pedestrian refuge, combined with upgraded bike lanes and a new class‑4 bidirectional facility along Civic Center Drive, will shorten pedestrian walks to transit and improve safety for cyclists and drivers.
Council members pressed Caltrans on construction impacts, night work, pile driving and driver education. Vice Mayor Bushey asked whether the project would involve night construction; Daniel said most work will occur daytime but the 52‑hour weekend closure will include continuous work, roughly between late Friday night and early Monday morning, to minimize traffic impacts. Council Member Kurtz urged the agency to coordinate timing with summer events and major employers near the intersection to limit congestion during peak seasonal use.
Caltrans said the roundabout design accommodates existing transit vehicles, including Golden Gate and Marin Transit buses, and can be used by larger California‑legal trucks. The agency also outlined a public information plan led by a public information officer, Matt O'Donnell, to issue traffic advisories, deploy changeable message signs and share notices on social media and partner distribution lists.
Next steps: Caltrans said contract award is expected in the coming months and construction would start around May if the award proceeds as planned. The council did not take action on the presentation; staff and Caltrans will return with updates as milestones occur.
