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Francisco Boulevard East Sidewalk Improvements

About

Project goals

  • Provide a wider sidewalk along Francisco Boulevard East to improve pedestrian and bicycle use
  • Provide connectivity between the Grand Avenue Bridge and wider sidewalk south of Vivian Street
  • Replace San Rafael Sanitation District main line

Budget

Planning/Design $1,100,000
Construction $6,125,000

Overview

The existing sidewalk along Francisco Boulevard East is utilized daily by pedestrians and bicyclists who must navigate the congestion of fire hydrants and power poles. This project will install an 8‐foot‐wide sidewalk/bike pathway on Francisco Boulevard East between Vivian Street and Grand Avenue to alleviate this issue.

francisco blvd east sidewalk

At the end of summer 2019, design, utility, and private property coordination for this project was completed.  In the beginning of July 2020, construction commenced.  Construction operations will be broken into five phases in an attempt to minimize traffic congestion and any impacts on local businesses.  During construction, there will be some daytime work and nighttime work with temporary traffic diversions.

Full pedestrian and bicycle access will be maintained on Francisco Blvd East throughout duration of all construction operations, as well as, access to all driveways along Francisco Blvd East.

Timeline

Planning and Coordination September 2018 – January 2020
Construction Bidding & Award January 2020 – June 2020
Construction July 2020 – August 2021
Street Resurfacing Fall 2021 (all nightwork)
Tree Installation Fall 2021 - Winter 2022

Project contact

April Miller, PE | Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer
April.Miller@cityofsanrafael.org
415.485.3409

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the resurfacing a separate project?

The sidewalk project is funded by a federal grant that focuses on pedestrian and bicycle safety. Since the sidewalk project created a wider facility for pedestrians and bicycles to be off the street, the roadway resurfacing is not an eligible expense.  The resurfacing project is funded by State Bill 1 gas tax.

Will the new sidewalk be connected to the new Grand Avenue pedestrian bridge?

Yes, this path will connect with the recently completed Grand Avenue bridge.  The intent is to improve pedestrian and bicycle access from the Canal neighborhoods to downtown San Rafael.

Will any of the existing infrastructure (e.g. trees, landscaping, retaining walls, light poles, etc.) along the property frontages be altered or eliminated?

If any of the privately-owned infrastructure is within the Francisco Blvd East right-of-way and
are in the way of the new sidewalk, they will likely need to be moved onto private property or
eliminated. The City will work with property owners where this is necessary to achieve an
amicable solution

Will existing parallel street parking along the frontages be affected and/or eliminated?

Some of the parallel parking will be temporarily inaccessible during construction, but there will be no elimination of existing parking spaces along the frontages.

Will this work adversely affect my utility hookups or result in any disruption of services?

No, businesses and resident’s utility hookups will not be disrupted during construction.

Will there be access to businesses during construction?

Yes. The construction will likely be completed in short phases along the ¾ mile long stretch,
rather than all at once.

Project updates

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