Public Works News - San Rafael

Fresh Wet Paint Update 8/10/18

Posted on August 10, 2018

DPW’s four man Sign and Paint Crew gave Second and Third Street intersections, from the Miracle Mile to Lincoln Ave., some fresh paint to brighten up the directional arrows and lane lines. Two streets down, 1067 to go!

Paving at Francisco West & Andersen Drive

Posted on August 10, 2018

On Friday night, August 9, 2018, SMART’s contractor will be grinding the asphalt at the intersection of Andersen Drive and Francisco Blvd. West. Traffic control measures will be installed at 7:00 pm and the intersection will be closed at 9:00 pm to get started. Traffic controls will be in place to direct the public around...

Smart Larkspur Extension Update 8/10/2018

Posted on August 10, 2018

The SMART Larkspur extension is at full speed ahead with the Francisco Blvd. West realignment and Phase-1 of the Multi-Use Path (from Rice Street to Andersen Drive). SMART’s contractor, Stacy Witbeck/Herzog has completed installation of the underground drainage and is now grading for the realignment of Francisco Blvd West and the SMART tracks between 2nd...

Drainage Channel Cleaning 8/10/2018

Posted on August 10, 2018

Public Works crews from the Street Division have begun removing accumulated sediment and cattails from the City of San Rafael drainage channels. Our crews clearing about 4 miles and 900 tons of material from City of San Rafael drainage channels. We will be clearing the channels along the 580 Highway and Manuel T. Freitas Parkway. ...

Watercolor rendering of Public Safety Center

Essential Facilities – Fire Station #52 & #57 and Public Safety Center Update 8/10/2018

Posted on August 10, 2018

We are thrilled to see the construction teams make huge progress at all three Essential Facilities projects. At Fire Station #52, the Training Tower erection has been completed. Minor electrical and mechanical work is to follow and is scheduled to be completed by the end of August. The Training Classroom is now completely watertight and...

Removal of Seat Wall Behind Safeway on a Street

Posted on August 10, 2018

Following concerns brought up by City staff during the monthly Health and Safety Committee meeting, the Department of Public Works was asked to have the seat wall behind Safeway on A street removed due to the threat to public health and safety. This week the Ghilotti Bros. removed the wall and restored the area. The...

Andersen Drive and Francisco Boulevard West Evening Closures Begins August 10th through August 13th

Posted on August 2, 2018

The intersection at Andersen Drive and Francisco Boulevard West will be closed each night from 7:30 pm to 6:00 am starting August 10, 2018 through August 13, 2018. The span of the closure will be from Francisco West (O’Reilly auto parts driveway) to Andersen Drive. The work being done to the intersection will consist of...

Request for Proposals: FY 2018-19 Routine Tree Services

Posted on July 26, 2018

Proposal Post Date: July 26, 2018 Proposal Due Due: August 21, 2018, 10:00 am (see Addendum #1) Link to full FY 2018-19 Routine Tree Services Request for Proposals Document Addendum #1 The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests proposals for on-call tree services from a qualified tree maintenance business that is duly registered and...

Request for Proposals: FY 2018-19 Emergency On-Call Tree Services

Posted on July 26, 2018

Proposal Post Date: July 26, 2018 Proposal Due Due: August 21, 2018, 10:00 am (see Addendum #1) Link to full FY 2018-19 Emergency On-Call Tree Services Request for Proposals Document Addendum #1 The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests proposals for on-call tree services from a qualified tree maintenance business that is duly registered...

Point San Pedro Road Median Assessment District

Posted on July 20, 2018

On Monday, July 16th City Council approved a $4.50 annual increase for the Pt. San Pedro Median Assessment District – the first increase since the inception of the Assessment District in 2013. For the last few years, the revenue generated for the Operations and Maintenance of the district has not covered the actual operations and...

Update 7/20/2018: Weed and Vegetation Management

Posted on July 20, 2018

Freitas Parkway The Parks Department finished their annual pruning of the medians on Freitas Parkway last Saturday. This is the largest pruning project the department undertakes each year and took a total of 10 full work days to complete. Twenty-five truckloads of material were cut and cleared from the medians. There will be a channel...

SMART Update 7/20/2018: Andersen Drive

Posted on July 20, 2018

SMART’s contractors have hit the ground running on the Francisco West roadway improvements between Rice Dr and Second St. The old roadway has been completely removed, and the contractor is diligently working on the underground work. To date, lengthy sections of new storm drain pipe have been installed. Rice Dr remains open as a detour...

East San Rafael Time-Limited Parking Implementation

Posted on July 20, 2018

In anticipation of the new time-limited parking changes coming to East San Rafael, the City recently sent over 4,000 letters to residents, businesses, and property owners in the area. Public Works spent the past few weeks marking locations of poles that will be installed to hang the new signs associated with the parking changes. These...

Approval of Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, 2018 Update

Posted on July 20, 2018

On Monday evening, Lauren Davini, Traffic Engineer, brought the San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan 2018 Update to City Council, where they approved the Plan and the Negative Declaration unanimously. Updating a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is no easy task; it was a year and a half of gathering and mapping existing conditions,...

Sidewalk Repair Program Update: Pre-Construction Inspection Results

Posted on July 18, 2018

Pre-construction inspections were completed on June 18th. Staff is now working on finalizing the data for inspections of the 366 private properties that applied for the Sidewalk Repair Program. Depending on the work required, some homeowners may see white spray paint on their sidewalks. Due to the Fourth of July holiday week, and double the...

Albert Park Play Area Improvements Project

Posted on July 12, 2018

This project consists of all the associated work described in the attached specifications and plans and the provisions of this document for excavation, removal of existing asphalt concrete paving, tree removal, clearing and grubbing; construction of new concrete paving, rubber safety surfacing, installation of play equipment, miscellaneous site furnishings, chain link fencing, planting and irrigation;...

Victor Jones Park Grand Opening Ceremony

Posted on July 6, 2018

grand opening ceremony was held on Monday Morning July 2, 2018 at Victor Jones Park to celebrate the installation of the two new play structures. The 2 acre park, which is located off of Robinhood Drive in the Glenwood neighborhood, was originally built in the late 1970’s and utilized older play structures and facilities. The...

Rail Work on Auburn Street Trestle

Posted on July 6, 2018

SMART is currently working to construct their rail line from downtown San Rafael to Larkspur Landing. Their rail line follows the original alignment which was built in the 1920’s and crosses over Auburn Street. SMART intends to utilize the existing wood trestle that crosses over Auburn Street; however, they need to replace the original track...

Wet Paint Update: 7/6/2018

Posted on July 6, 2018

Point San Pedro Road Streets Maintenance crews spent some time on Point San Pedro Road (PSP) at Loch Lomond Drive extending the existing red curb on PSP from 20ft to 80ft. In addition, the shoulder lane was changed to 100ft of “skips” markings leading up to Loch Lomond Drive for bicyclists. Las Flores at Las...

Storm Water Pump Replacements Begin

Posted on July 6, 2018

The Streets Division pump crew began its 2018 storm water pump maintenance. First off, replacing a 25-horsepower submersible pump located a North Francisco pump station. This sump pump moves 1600 gallons of water per-minute and is one of two pumps that relay back and forth 24 hours day, even during the summer. In the next...

SMART: Road Opening and Closing – Andersen Drive and Francisco West

Posted on July 6, 2018

ndersen Drive was reopened on Thursday morning on July 5, 2018. The roadway which was shut down for the installation of the SMART rail tracks underwent some significant reconstruction to allow the new rail tracks to be installed. In addition to the rail system new signals, and pathways adjacent to the tracks at the crossing...

Montecito Pump Station Clean Out

Posted on July 6, 2018

To help with the annual pump station clean outs, our maintenance crews have been utilizing the new vactor. It collected four loads of trash and other debris that has accumulated in the Montecito Pump Station over the year, equaling 27.3 tons of material.

Pump Station Clean-Out

Posted on June 22, 2018

To help with the annual pump station clean outs, a new vactor was purchased about 4 months ago for our maintenance crews. A vactor is a vacuum excavating equipment. It is used to collect trash and other debris that has accumulated in the pump station over the year. This week our crews worked diligently on...

Update 6/22/2018: Weed and Vegetation Removal

Posted on June 22, 2018

On Saturday June 16th, commercial property owners and the City of San Rafael Street Division joined forces to perform a clean-up of the commercial area located on Simms St, Dodie, and Golden Gate Dr. Volunteers from Bellam Self-Storage and other business owners from the area, pulled weeds, swept streets, sidewalks and litter picked throughout all...

Pedestrian Safety Study on Third Street and Hetherton

Posted on June 22, 2018

The intersection of Third Street and Hetherton Street is one of the most heavily congested in not only San Rafael but in the County of Marin. Additionally, the intersection is well traversed by pedestrians due to its central location to Downtown San Rafael, the Montecito Neighborhood, and the Transit Center. To improve pedestrian safety at...

Via Sessi Storm Drain

Posted on June 22, 2018

Storm Drain Installation In preparation for on-site drainage work to be completed at the Public Safety Center, Public Works is managing a project to install a new storm drain system on D St (4th St to Via Sessi) as well as on Via Sessi. The project includes installation of six manholes and approximately 300 feet...

Sidewalk Repair Program Update: Pre-Construction Inspections Complete

Posted on June 22, 2018

On Monday, June 18th Pubic Works staff completed inspections for the 350+ private properties that have signed up for the Sidewalk Repair Program. Inspectors reviewed all properties for sidewalk displacements, and indicated whether or not the sidewalk needed a full replacement or could be fixed with sidewalk shaving (a smooth grind of the sidewalk displacement...

FY 2018-19 3-Year Improvement Program (CIP) Adopted by City Council

Posted on June 22, 2018

At their regular Council meeting on Monday June 18th, City Council adopted the FY 2018-19 3-Year Capital Improvement Program. The CIP is a multi-year planning tool used to identify and implement the City’s capital needs over the upcoming 3-year period: FY 2018-19 through FY 2020-21. The CIP document summarizes the City’s planned capital and infrastructure...

SMART Update: Andersen Drive

Posted on June 22, 2018

SMART’s team has made great strides over the past several weeks in placing concrete, asphalt, and electrical equipment. The new traffic signal poles have been installed, and final testing of the traffic signal is scheduled for Tuesday, June 26th. Temporary paving will be in place until we get approval from Caltrans for final resurfacing in...

The Victor Jones Park Playground Improvements Project

Posted on June 15, 2018

Before After The new Victor Jones Park Playground is open to the public! There will be some minor utility work that will be completed by mid-July, however, the playground is now open for the community to use and enjoy. The Victor Jones Park Improvement project includes two new play structures, a new swing set,...

Weed and Vegetation Removal

Posted on June 8, 2018

Annual Pruning of Freitas Parkway Easement Clean-up Public Works crews have begun the annual pruning of Freitas Parkway. The work will continue for the few weeks. During this time, please note that there will be intermittent lane closures along Freitas Parkway as we trim the overgrowth. Frietas Parkway (between Montecillo Rd. and Del Ganado) Terra...

Updated June 8, 2018: Street Resurfacing

Posted on June 8, 2018

The City’s annual street resurfacing project is underway. Several streets have already undergone a full grind and contractors began the asphalt overlay. In total, this year’s project will include resurfacing of 4 miles of roadway and the installation of 13 ADA-compliant curb ramps. The project is funded through Gas tax revenues and the local Measure...

East San Rafael Parking Update

Posted on June 8, 2018

To combat over-parking in East San Rafael, the City Council took action in December to create a parking ordinance that allows the city to limit the time allowed for cars to park in this overused area of San Rafael to a maximum of 24 hours. Since that time, staff has been developing the signage and...

Andersen to Rice Drive Multi-Use Path

Posted on June 8, 2018

On Monday night, the City Council approved a resolution to construct a multi-use bicycle and pedestrian path along the soon to be constructed SMART rail path from downtown San Rafael to Larkspur. On Wednesday, the SMART Board agreed to incorporate our project into their larger rail segment. The path, designed by BKF, will be incorporated...

Andersen & Francisco Blvd West Closure

Posted on June 8, 2018

SMART’s contractor anticipates finishing up the work at Andersen Drive and Francisco Blvd West by the end of the day on June 29th, 2018. Prior to completing this work, the intersection, and rail crossing will need to ground and resurfaced. This work will take several days to complete and will require full closure of the...

New Wet Paint: Fresh Road Markings

Posted on June 8, 2018

Intersection of Laurel Place and Wilkins Street: Streets Maintenance Crews installed a new crosswalk ladder and STOP Sign on the Wilkins side. Laurel Place has been a hotspot for speeding, so these new intersection improvements will provide increased safety for pedestrians. Fire Station 54 got new KEEP CLEAR in front of the station to prevent...

Tamalpais Ave closed Saturday 6/2 for Removal of Bike Lane

Posted on May 30, 2018

On Saturday June 2, 2018 we'll be returning Tamalpais Ave (Mission to 3rd Street) to its pre-temporary bike lane condition as a two-way street and on-street parking on both sides. The Tamalpais Bike Lane was a temporary pilot project designed to get feedback and data on usage of the lane and the effect on traffic, pedestrian...

Quick Transit Center Update

Posted on May 29, 2018

Golden Gate Transit has kicked off their environmental and engineering work for the new Transit Center. Which has held three meetings so far; Citizens Advisory group 2/27, Managers Meeting 3/15 and Concept Development workshop 5/4. Golden Gate Transit is evaluating ideas and plans to bring their initial thoughts back to the working group at the...

Las Gallinas Median Pruning Completed

Posted on May 25, 2018

Our Public Works crews from our Parks Maintenance Division have been laboriously trimming shrubs and other vegetation on the Las Gallinas median this week. Our Parks Maintenance Division’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. The following compliment on the work came in on our “Contact Public Works” form:

Essential Facilities – Public Safety Center – More Great News!

Posted on May 25, 2018

Public Safety Center – Foundation Pour When finished, the Public Safety Center will be the cornerstone of the City’s essential facilities. For now, it’s a big hole in the ground. At the bottom of that hole is a new, massive concrete foundation. The steel and concrete foundation is ready to support the 65,000 sf facility....

Weed and Vegetation Removal Underway

Posted on May 25, 2018

Public Works crews from both the Streets and Parks Divisions have begun high weed and vegetation removal throughout the City’s open space and fire trails. Our crews have been hard at work tackling vegetation overgrowth in advance of the upcoming fire season and Marin County Fair.

Update: Signal Re-Timing

Posted on May 25, 2018

On November 6, 2017 the City Council accepted a grant award from MTC to modify signal timing to the 54 signalized intersections in Central San Rafael. Synchronization of traffic signals allows for coordination along main arterials, such as Second and Third Streets, to enhance traffic flow, reduce delay and minimize the amount of vehicles stopping at...

Wet Paint: Fresh Road Markings

Posted on May 25, 2018

Francisco/Bellam to E. Francisco/Tiburon On Friday, May 21, San Rafael Public Works Streets Maintenance Division crews made improvements along the notoriously congested Francisco Boulevard E. and Bellam Boulevard intersection. The work in the area was done to help the backup along Francisco. Along Francisco Boulevard E. from Bellam to Tiburon the center turn lane (previously...

May Update: Street Resurfacing

Posted on May 25, 2018

The City has begun its annual street resurfacing project this week. Several streets have already undergone a full grind and contractors began the asphalt overlay. In total, this year’s project will include resurfacing of 4 miles of roadway and the installation of 13 ADA-compliant curb ramps. The project is funded through Gas tax revenues and...

Architectural and Engineering Design Services for the Renovation of Fire Station 54 – Request for Proposals

Posted on May 24, 2018

The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests proposals from qualified consultants for the renovation of Fire Station 54 located at 46 Castro Street in San Rafael. The final products sought are construction contract documents including plans, specifications and cost estimates ready for bid, support during bidding, and the option to provide construction support services....

Grand Ave Pathway Connection RFQ

Posted on May 23, 2018

The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests Statements of Qualifications (Statements) from qualified consultants for construction inspection services associated with the Grand Avenue Pathway Connector Project. Statements shall be submitted by firms that have a capable and demonstrable background in the type of work described in the section entitled “Scope of Work” of this...

Downtown Traffic Signal Re-timing Work Continuing

Posted on May 22, 2018

On Wednesday, May 16 the City began the timing adjusting of 54 signalized intersections in downtown San Rafael, from Union Street out to Miracle Mile, and from Mission Ave down to 2nd Street. The retiming will reduce travel time between intersections, meaning hitting fewer red lights coming down major arterials in San Rafael such as...

Closure and detour at Second and Third Street

Second and Third Street Night Time Road Closures this week – Union to Grand

Posted on May 22, 2018

Road closures began last night on Second and Third Street at Grand Avenue and Union Street. As part of the construction of the new Fire Station 52 on Third Street, the City will be replacing a storm drain pipe across the Third Street and Union intersection. Crews will be performing night-time construction this week in...

Francisco Boulevard West Multi-Use Pathway

Posted on May 17, 2018

Also on Monday, the City Council will receive an update and consider next steps for a multi-use path that will connect 2nd Street to Andersen Drive and parallel the future Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) rail line. The multi-use path would provide a dedicated space for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other active transportation users to use....

Capital Improvements and Open Space – Fiscal Year 2018-19

Posted on May 17, 2018

At Monday’s meeting, the City Council will also consider two budgetary matters: the Three-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the Measure A - Open Space Work Plan. These two items will be incorporated into the City’s Fiscal Year Budget as part of the budget process next month. The CIP is the long-range plan for all...

April progress picture for Fire Station 57

Fire Station 57 Update April 2018

Posted on May 15, 2018

Project Update During the month of April, Alten Construction completed the installation of under-slab rough electrical and plumbing elements, and also completed the placement of underslab rock and vapor barrier at the Living Quarters. CMU installation continued at the Apparatus Bay and Utility Rooms. Selected steel elements (ledgers and columns) and steel door frames were...

Fire Station 2nd Floor Elevated Slab. Concrete Finishing

Fire Station 52 Update April 2018

Posted on May 15, 2018

Project Update During the month of April, Alten Construction continued work on the Fire Station Building, the Training Classroom and the Training Tower. The Training Tower foundation slab on grade was placed mid-April. The Tower structure design submittal was approved and in early May the Tower erectors will be on site to begin erection. The...

Overview of project site during haul off of the over excavated material

Public Safety Center Update April 2018

Posted on May 14, 2018

Project Progress During the month of April, the weather cleared up allowing Alten to Initiate the off haul of the clean material, contaminated material and prepare the building pads for certification. Hauling off of the clean material was a success hauling off approximately 2,500 cubic yards to the airport. During the excavation of the contaminated...

Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM) and Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) Deployment and Project Management – Request for Proposal

Posted on May 12, 2018

The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests proposals from qualified Consultants for the project management and oversight of Automated Traffic Signal Measures (ATSPM) and Adaptive Traffic Control Systems (ATCS) Projects. The final product sought is a completed and successful ATSPM implementation meeting all Innovative Deployment of Enhanced Arterials (IDEA) grant funding contract requirements provided...

Sidewalk Repair Program Update: Lottery and Inspections

Posted on May 11, 2018

The Sidewalk Repair Program application period closed on Friday, April 27th. The City received 366 in total applications. This week the City ran the Sidewalk Repair Program lottery and ranked all 366 applications, and sent an email to all applicants informing them of their priority ranking status and what the next steps are: 1 is...

Park-a-Month: 2 Down, 3 To Go

Posted on May 11, 2018

We had our first two Park-A-Month volunteer days on April 21st (Gerstle Park) and May 5th (Sun Valley Park). Both events had a good turnout, with 30 volunteers showing up at Gerstle Park and nearly 50 at Sun Valley. Many saw the event on NextDoor, signs in the neighborhood and volunteer postings on the website....

SMART: Andersen Drive Update

Posted on May 11, 2018

SMART’s contracting team continues to make progress on Andersen Dr. A team of contractors are simultaneously working to install portions of the multi-use pathway near the railroad crossing, traffic signal infrastructure, and earthwork preparatory to the new railroad tracks being installed. The contracting team is diligently scheduling the phasing of work at the intersection of...

#TamalpaisBikeLane – tell us what you think!

Posted on May 7, 2018

Bike to Work Week encourages commuters and others to get out of their car and use a bicycle to get to and from their work. Safe paths for bicyclists are essential to make riding a real possibility for commuters. The City will conduct a one week pilot project from May 7 to 11 to coincide with Bike...

Francisco Boulevard West Multi-Use Pathway – May 7, 2018

Posted on May 3, 2018

Also on Monday evening, the City Council will consider using $850,000 in granted bike path funds to purchase steel components to be used to build the multi-use path that will parallel the SMART Larkspur Extension rail line at its crossing near Francisco Boulevard West. The multi-use path will provide a dedicated space for pedestrians, bicyclists,...

Francisco Blvd East Sidewalk Improvement Project RFP

Posted on May 1, 2018

The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests proposals from qualified engineering Consultants for planning and construction support on the Francisco Boulevard East Sidewalk Improvement project. Design and environmental clearance of this project was originally funded by a federal Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) grant. The City has procured construction funding through the Active Transportation...

Fire Station 57 Update March 2018

Posted on April 25, 2018

Project Update: During the month of March, Alten Construction mobilized material and equipment and began installation of CMU at the perimeter and interior building walls. The installation of UG MEP elements (including deep interior and Apparatus Bay trough drain aspects) was completed. Delivery, staging, and set up of CMU material and equipment continued during the...

Fire Station 52 Update March 2018

Posted on April 25, 2018

Project Update: During the month of March, Alten Construction continued work on the Fire Station Building and the Training Classroom. The Training Tower foundation work initiated with anchor pier delivery, installation and successful pull-testing. Tower footing rebar installation was ongoing at the end of the period. At the Fire Station Building, the CMU block was...

Public Safety Center Update March 2018

Posted on April 25, 2018

Project Progress During the month of March, the weather turned for the worst raining constantly pushing the site to its limits forcing the team to act quickly. An additional baker tanks was brought to the site and the purchase of pumps was required to help contain the rain water on site. The pumps had to...

Get Ready! Pilot Bike Lane Coming to Tamalpais Ave!

Posted on April 23, 2018

Engineering Design Services for the Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park Bathroom Upgrade – Request for Proposal

Posted on April 16, 2018

The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests proposals from qualified consultants for the design of a rehabilitation of an existing bathroom located at the Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park. The final product sought is construction contract documents including cost-effective design options, plans, specifications, and cost estimates ready for bid. Proposals shall be submitted...

Pilot Bike Lane on Tamalpais Avenue

Posted on April 12, 2018

We’re always looking for ways to make San Rafael more bike-friendly. On Monday night, the City Council will hear about a pilot project to create a “cycle track” on Tamalpais Avenue during Bike to Work Week, May 7 to 11. During that week, we will convert Tamalpais Avenue to a one-way street and create a...

Street Resurfacing – April 16, 2018

Posted on April 12, 2018

Also on Monday evening, the City Council will consider awarding a $1.5 million street resurfacing contract to Team Ghilotti and a $100K agreement with Park Engineering for associated inspection services. The staff report outlines which streets will be repaved. Additional neighborhood outreach will be conducted closer to the time of the projects. Read the staff...

Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Awareness Survey

Posted on February 22, 2018

Help the City of San Rafael and the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP) understand pollution prevention practices by filling out this short survey! Your survey will help MCSTOPPP decide how to direct outreach and education resources to have the biggest impact to prevent pollution from getting into our creeks and the Bay. Thanks...

Street Resurfacing & Curb Ramps 2017-2018

Posted on February 16, 2018

Project Description: These two projects include installation of hot mix asphalt and/or micro-surfacing treatments at various locations throughout the City. This project also includes installation of American’s With Disability Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps, curb, gutter, and sidewalk. Curb ramps must be installed prior to resurfacing of streets per federal law. Project Status: This project is in the design phase. Below is a...