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Council approves BKF Engineers contract to design Canal active‑transportation improvements
Summary
Council authorized a professional services agreement with BKF Engineers to design pedestrian, bicycle, lighting and transit-shelter upgrades in the Canal neighborhood; the project has an Active Transportation Program grant and total project estimates near $6.7 million, with construction anticipated in 2027–2028.
The San Rafael City Council on March 17 approved a professional services agreement with BKF Engineers to design and carry the environmental review and construction support for the Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancement Project.
The project, developed from prior Canal neighborhood and citywide bicycle/pedestrian plans, includes sidewalk gap closures and curb‑ramp upgrades, bicycle‑boulevard treatments on three streets, new secure bicycle parking, lighting improvements on paths, and transit‑shelter upgrades at several high‑ridership stops. Public Works presented a map of proposed improvements and a conceptual rendering of potential street changes.
Staff said the project has an Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant of about $4.1 million and a local match; the total project estimate used in the capital plan is approximately $6.7 million. The BKF contract covers design, environmental review and construction support across multiple years; staff described a design contract in the roughly $1.2 million ballpark to cover that multi‑year scope.
Council members asked about coordination with PG&E’s undergrounding work and sea‑level‑rise considerations; staff said PG&E is coordinating closely and that the ATP scope is primarily maintenance‑scale infrastructure (curb ramps, sidewalk, striping, lighting) rather than large shoreline projects. Outreach on lighting and other features will continue.
The council approved the contract by unanimous vote and directed staff to proceed with the design and outreach process. Staff anticipates construction in 2027–2028, contingent on PG&E coordination and completion of design and environmental review.
