1. Public Works
  2. Active Projects and Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
  3. ADA Improvements and Roundabout at Manuel T Freitas Parkway/Route 101 Interchange (Caltrans)

ADA Improvements and Roundabout at Manuel T Freitas Parkway/Route 101 Interchange (Caltrans)

About

Project goals

  • Improve pedestrian safety a the intersection of Freitas Parkway, Civic Center Drive and Old Redwood Highway by:
    • Reconstruction of curb ramps and sidewalk
    • Remove stairs and bus stop access across loop ramps
    • Relocate northbound bus stop to Redwood Highway
    • Construct roundabout at Redwood Highway/Civic Center Drive intersection
  • Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards

Budget

Construction $3,300,000 (Caltrans funded)

Overview

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)'s engineering team is working to relocate the bus stop at the northbound Freitas Parkway offramp to make it safer and ADA accessible.  As a part of the project, Caltrans is proposing to improve the intersection of Freitas Parkway, Civic Center Drive, and Old Redwood Highway by installing a round-about.  This change will improve traffic flow and make this very busy intersection/offramp safer for vehicles and pedestrians.  Currently, the project is in the preliminary design phase. On November 1, 2021 Caltrans presented an informational report the City of San Rafael City Council - check out the video below to view their presentation!

Manuel T Freitas Pkwy and 101 Interchange L

More information

Project Presentation at November 1, 2021 City Council Meeting

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the design speed of the roundabout and what measures are taken to slow down northbound traffic?

The roundabout will be signed for 20 miles per hour (mph). Northbound right turning traffic is required to make a sharp right turn into their entry. The design speed of this entry is less than that of the circulatory roadway. Advance warning and guide signs on all approaches will advise motorists of recommended speed and lane assignments.

What provisions are provided for bicycle facilities from all directions?

Bicycle facilities are provided within the roundabout for the north-south direction. Facilitates may also be extended north to the existing bike lanes on Redwood Hwy. There are no dedicated bicycle facilities within the interchange nor along Manuel Freitas west of the interchange.

What volumes were used to simulate the future scenario and were the Northgate Development projections included?

Traffic counts were performed in 2019 and forecasted out to 2041 taking into account anticipated growth shown in the 2040 General Plan.

What measures are taken to reduce the potential conflict between the northbound off-ramp and the eastbound left turn from Manuel T Freitas Parkway, before they get into the roundabout?

The extended separation of northbound through and northbound right turn traffic will make it easier for eastbound left turn traffic to gauge perspective gaps. This allows traffic on Manuel T Freitas Parkway to turn left into their own entry without competing with the northbound off-ramp right turning vehicles. In addition, transverse rumble strips can be added to the off-ramp to encourage lower speeds.

Timeline

Design October 2021 - June 2022
Advertise project November 2022
Award project January 2023
Construction April 2023 - October 2023

Project contact

Prakash Sivagnanasundaram, PE | Regional Project Manager, Caltrans
Prakash.Sivagnanasundaram@dot.ca.gov

Public Meeting - Freitas Roundabout

Public Meeting for the Freitas Parkway Roundabout project – March 9, 2022 @ 6 pm

Posted on March 1, 2022

The City will be hosting a virtual public meeting for the ADA Improvements and Roundabout at Manuel T Freitas Parkway/Route 101 Interchange project. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is the lead agency on this project, and will be joining Vice Mayor Kertz to provide a brief overview of the project and goals. This public...
Manuel T Freitas Pkwy and 101 Interchange L

CalTrans is planning a Freitas Parkway offramp re-do

Posted on October 18, 2021

The Caltrans engineering team is working to relocate the bus stop at the northbound Freitas Parkway offramp to make it safer and ADA accessible.  As a part of the project, they are proposing to improve the intersection of Freitas Parkway, Civic Center Drive and Old Redwood Highway by installing a round-about there.  This exciting change...
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