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San Rafael authorizes design services for Canal Neighborhood active-transportation project; council stresses PG&E coordination
Summary
Council approved a professional services agreement with BKF Engineers for design and environmental services for the Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancement Project, advancing a project that received an Active Transportation Program grant (~$4.1M) and estimates total costs near $6.7M. Council discussion focused on PG&E Rule 20A coordination, lighting outreach, bike-boulevard treatments and project phasing.
The San Rafael City Council on March 17 authorized the city manager to execute a professional services agreement with BKF Engineers for design and environmental services for the Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancement Project, approving the expenditure for consultant services as presented in staff materials.
Associate civil engineer Gray Melgaard summarized project elements: sidewalk gap closures and curb-ramp upgrades, bicycle-boulevard treatments on three streets, lighting improvements along key pathways, secure bicycle parking at Pickleweed and transit shelter enhancements. Melgaard said the project received an Active Transportation Program grant of about $4.1 million; staff reported a current planning-level total estimate near $6.7 million that includes buffers for staff augmentation and scope uncertainty.
Councilmembers focused questions on coordination with Marin Transit and PG&E Rule 20A undergrounding work in the project area; staff said PG&E has been cooperative and staff will align schedules because undergrounding design and construction can affect streetscape work. Council asked about contract value and scope: staff explained the design contract covers environmental work and construction support across multiple years and that typical design costs can represent a significant portion of overall project cost.
Public commenters from the Canal urged attention to sea-level-rise impacts, parking congestion and strong neighborhood involvement in design decisions. Councilmember Yerin Scolati moved to authorize the professional services agreement with BKF Engineers for the project; the motion passed 5-0.
Next steps include continued design and outreach in 2025, detailed design in 2026, and targeted construction in 2027 nd 2028 pending PG&E coordination and final funding.
