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San Rafael authorizes additional design work for 2nd & 4th Street intersection amid divided public comment
Summary
Council approved a $66,000 amendment to the intersection design consultant contract to complete design and construction support work for the 2nd & 4th Street project; the decision followed extensive public comment both for and against removing or relocating a left‑turn pocket to improve bike/pedestrian safety.
The San Rafael City Council voted to authorize a second amendment to the professional‑services agreement for design and construction‑support services on the 2nd and 4th Street intersection project.
Public Works staff presented the project history, objectives and outreach to date. The project aims to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, maintain east–west traffic flow, preserve transit access, and upgrade aging infrastructure at a complex downtown intersection. The presentation emphasized that the current illustrations are conceptual and that construction‑level plans and traffic‑signal phasing will be worked through before construction.
The meeting drew substantial public comment. Several residents who use the left‑turn pocket from 2nd Street to Marquardt Avenue opposed removing or relocating the pocket, saying the alternatives would route more traffic onto steep, narrow neighborhood streets and create dangerous access issues. Teal Collins, a nearby resident, said eliminating the left turn would force drivers to use Greenfield or West Street and would “do more harm than good” for their daily access. Other speakers, including cyclists and pedestrian advocates, urged the city to prioritize Vision Zero safety policies and build design elements that reduce conflicts for people walking and biking.
City staff and engineers said they have considered options including closing the slip lane, adding pedestrian refuge islands and signal phasing changes; they noted that a roundabout had been considered previously but would be infeasible due to right‑of‑way constraints and the likely need to acquire private property. The staff presentation said final design decisions will follow additional engineering analysis, utility coordination and BPAC review, with construction award and final design expected later in the year.
Councilmember Kurtz moved to authorize the city manager to execute a contract amendment for additional engineering services (the motion specified an additional $66,000 and stated a new total contract amount in the record). Mayor Kate seconded; the motion carried 3–0, with one councilmember recused or absent for this item. Councilmembers said they expect continued community engagement and technical briefings before construction.
Next steps: staff will complete construction documents, coordinate utility undergrounding and return to council for construction award and final design approval; the project timeline anticipates construction pending utility work and funding obligations.
