Public Works News - San Rafael

SMART Overnight Testing for Larkspur Extension Starts August 23

Posted on August 23, 2019

SMART is getting closer to opening its extension to Larkspur and will begin testing the train control and railroad crossing warning systems along the newly constructed portion of track from San Rafael to Larkspur. Track testing will take place on track segments between Mission Ave and Larkspur. The overnight testing will take place between 9:30...

Gerstle Park Sidewalk Repair Update!

Posted on August 15, 2019

The City and Van Midde & Son Concrete have been busy replacing sidewalk in Gerstle Park. In the past month, work has been completed on Ross, Marin, Bayview, and Clorinda Avenue. Nearly 1,700 square feet of new sidewalk has been installed covering about 350 feet of sidewalk. Sections of San Rafael Avenue and D Street...

2017 Storm Damage Repairs – 70 Irwin

Posted on August 9, 2019

Last week, Valentine Corporation completed the landslide repairs at 70 Irwin Street. After nearly two and half years of detours and closure, the portion of roadway between 70 and 90 Irwin is now open. This project included the installation of four retaining walls, significant drainage improvements on the slope, permanent slope retention, and a new...

Essential Facilities Fire Station 57 – Home Stretch

Posted on August 9, 2019

The Alten construction team is nearing the completion of the new Fire Station 57 project. After many hours spent putting together innumerable details and materials, the contractor is nearly ready to bring the building to life. In the last few weeks, crews installed concrete pavers, a generator and fuel tanks, building signage, as well as,...

Drainage Storm Preparation Starts Early

Posted on August 9, 2019

The Streets division crews have been busy preparing San Rafael’s waterways for the 2019/20 rainy season. Over 300 tons of debris and sediment have been removed in the last 10 days because of last year’s storms. Eventually, over 700 tons of material will be removed from San Rafael’s waterways, headwalls, and containment basins. This work...

Goat Grazing 2019

Posted on August 9, 2019

The 2019 goat grazing contract is in its final stages. So far, the goats have helped reduce the fire hazard in 14 locations covering nearly 100 acres. The goats started the year on Robert Dollar Drive and are currently concluding their work in Peacock Gap and East San Rafael.

SMART Larkspur Extension

Posted on August 9, 2019

The SMART Larkspur Extension is moving into the next phase as construction winds down and testing of trains begins. The City has coordinated with SMART on the installation of new traffic signal lights at the railroad tracks on 2nd and 3rd Streets. These lights will work in tandem with nearby traffic signals and serve the...

Roadway Restriping Project

Posted on August 9, 2019

In early July, Bayside Stripe & Seal, Inc. began refreshing traffic striping along 12 miles of city streets. This project updates the paint on all traffic markings along selected streets to meet current Caltrans standards. Lane markings are now thicker and traffic legends such as “YIELD” or “STOP” are slightly larger. The contractor used thermoplastic...

Preparing for Extended Power Outages

Posted on August 1, 2019

Wildfire season is here and Marin County residents need to be prepared for prolonged power outages related to PG&E’s efforts to reduce wildfire risks. Having key items, such as a working flashlight and 3-day supply of water and food, is one important component of a preparedness plan and can make it easier to cope with power...

ALERT MARIN EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Posted on July 31, 2019

About Alert Marin If you live, work or go to school in Marin County and are 18 and over, you may now register your cell phone or VoIP (voice over internet protocol) phone to receive emergency alerts sent by call, text, email, or smartphone application from the County of Marin. Listed and unlisted/blocked Marin County...

REMINDER: Attend a PG&E wildfire safety open house – July 30, 2019

Posted on July 29, 2019

PG&E is hosting a series of regional open houses throughout our service area for anyone who is interested in learning more about our Community Wildfire Safety Program. These drop-in gatherings will allow community members to learn more about wildfire safety and emergency preparedness, meet with PG&E representatives, ask questions and share feedback. Webinars will be...

SMART Overnight track maintenance (July 17, July 23, July 24 – 9:00pm – 3:00am)

Posted on July 19, 2019

SMART will be performing overnight track maintenance in San Rafael from North San Pedro Road to Civic Center Drive on Friday, July 19, Tuesday, July 23 and Wednesday, July 24. Maintenance work will involve the movement of on-track equipment from 9 p.m. to approximately 3 a.m. As a part of this work, the crossing bells...

SMART Larkspur Extension – Testing

Posted on July 19, 2019

Though the first phase of the MUP is done, Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit district (SMART) is continuing to construct the extension to Larkspur Station, located behind Larkspur Landing. While the majority of the infrastructure, such as rail and ties are in place, SMART is testing the systems that support the rail service. On July...

Essential Facilities: Fire Station 57

Posted on July 19, 2019

We are in the final stages of construction at Fire Station 57! Alten Construction has been taking full advantage of the beautiful, sunny weather this summer and has accomplished a lot in the last few months. They have installed windows, storefronts, roofing, and various site walls. The installation of stucco and site work helps illustrate...

Essential Facilities: Public Safety Center

Posted on July 19, 2019

The Public Safety Center construction team has been working tirelessly. Currently, there is an average of 35-40 workers on site, on any given day. They are installing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in the basement, first, and second floor. The underground work finalized last week. All the plywood has been installed on the perimeter of...

2017 Storm Damage Repairs – 70 Irwin

Posted on July 19, 2019

This week, the City’s contractor, Valentine Corporation, paved the section of Irwin Street that has been closed for the past two years. After Valentine Corporation finishes installing a fence along the top of the retaining wall and removes all of their equipment, Irwin Street will be open to through-traffic on Friday, July 26th.

Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability Study

Posted on July 19, 2019

In the United States, about 40% of the population lives near the coast. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, sea levels continue to rise about 1/8-inch every year and this rate is likely to increase. Some studies have estimated that by 2050, water levels could rise by one foot, and by 2100, it...

Summer Pruning

Posted on July 19, 2019

The Parks Department is in the middle of its busy summer pruning season. Pruning entails the trimming of trees by cutting away dead or overgrown branches in order to stimulate growth. The maintenance crews recently finished pruning the mile-long stretch of median islands on Las Gallinas Ave. The Parks crews will now be working on...

SMART Larkspur Extension Multi-Use Pathway Phase I

Posted on July 19, 2019

Following an 18-month long process of planning and construction, the Multi-Use Pathway from Andersen to Rice Drive is complete and open for public use! This is a vital link for bicyclists and pedestrians as it connects downtown San Rafael to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. It is Phase I of the SMART Larkspur Extension project and...

HAWK Signal for the Multi-Use Pathway

Posted on July 19, 2019

As part of the beautiful new Multi-Use Pathway (MUP) from Rice to Andersen Drive, a HAWK signal was installed at the intersection of the MUP and Rice Drive. HAWK actually stands for High-intensity Activated crossWalK (hey, we are not responsible for the name!). It provides a controlled midblock crossing for bicyclists and pedestrians utilizing the...

Rendering of planned Richmond-San Rafael Bridge bicycle-pedestrian path. Photo courtesy of MTC

Bike Lane on San Rafael-Richmond Bridge (I-580)

Posted on July 19, 2019

For the past year, Caltrans has been making progress to the highly anticipated bicycle-pedestrian pathway on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (I-580). The 10-foot bi-directional pathway will be separated from traffic by a movable concrete barrier system, similar to the one installed on the Golden Gate Bridge. As a part of these improvements the bike path will...

Freitas Park Water Feature

Posted on July 17, 2019

The water feature at Freitas Park reopened this week after a new rubber surface was installed and the structure got a fresh coat of paint.

SRP Update: Work in Gerstle Park Continues

Posted on July 11, 2019

Work in Gerstle Park continues with the City completing the longest continuous stretch of new sidewalk yet at over 250 feet. In addition, two new ADA compliant curb ramps were installed next to Short Elementary School. These new curb ramps include the yellow dots which are called "raised truncated domes." Work is anticipated to be...

Freitas Park Water Feature – Construction Update

Posted on July 3, 2019

The water feature at Freitas Park was closed on Monday the 24th of June and will reopen the week of July 15. The rubber surface is going to be removed and replaced. We apologize for the inconvenience. We hope everyone has a wonderful time celebrating the fourth of July and we apologize for the inconvenience.

SMART Larkspur Extension Multi-Use Pathway

Posted on June 21, 2019

The Andersen to Rice Drive Multi-Use Pathway is inching towards completion. The last phase to install the SMART tracks next to the Multi-use Pathway is nearing its finish; however, the HAWK pedestrian traffic signaling still needs to be installed. SMART anticipates completing the track installation within the next few weeks and will start testing trains....

Third Street Rehabilitation Project

Posted on June 21, 2019

The Third Street Rehabilitation project (from Second-Fourth Street to Grand Avenue) is moving forward from the feasibility study and on to the environmental and design phase! Staff and the consultant team presented the feasibility study to City Council on June 3rd. After listening to comments from the community regarding the desire for a two-way bicycle...

Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge

Posted on June 21, 2019

On Thursday, June 13th, Mayor Phillips, City staff, and project stakeholders descended on the newly opened pedestrian bridge to celebrate with a formal grand opening. The bridge is a long-awaited connection to east San Rafael communities and provides better accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians. Approximately 40-50 residents, employees, and key stakeholders, including members of the...

Pickleweed Park Playground Replacement: Project Update

Posted on June 21, 2019

Replacement of the Pickleweed Park play structures is on schedule. By the end of this week, both playground areas at Pickleweed Park will have been filled with engineered wood fiber. This will provide a safe, impact-cushioned play surface. On the week of June 24th, the contractor will be working on adding the final touches, including...

Goat Grazing

Posted on June 21, 2019

Land Systems Management is the City of San Rafael’s 2019 goat contractor. The goats are currently up on Robert Dollar Hill working (eating) their way towards the Falkirk Center. Afterwards, the goats will be covering other City open space from Terra Linda to Peacock Gap.

Request for Proposals: Third Street Rehab Design Phase

Posted on June 19, 2019

The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests proposals from qualified engineering Consultants for design, environmental clearance, and construction support services for the Third Street Rehabilitation Project. The final product sought is construction contract documents including plans, specifications and cost estimates ready for bid. This project may require the expertise of a multi-disciplined team consisting...

Sidewalk Repair Update: Roots, Sidewalks, and more Roots!

Posted on June 13, 2019

Work continues in the Gerstle Park neighborhood as the City and Van Midde and Son Concrete passed the 3,000 square foot milestone in the neighborhood. That's enough new sidewalk in the neighborhood to stretch two football fields long. Over 400 feet of curb and gutter have also been replaced. Work has slowed a little in...

Red Flag Warning In Effect for Marin County Until 5 p.m. 06/09/19

Posted on June 7, 2019

Marin County, CA -- The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the North Bay Mountains and other parts of the Bay Area above 1000 feet, which is in effect from 9 PM this evening (Friday) to 5 PM Sunday. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected...

Utility Box Art, a San Rafael Leadership Institute Class Project, Finally Complete!

Posted on June 7, 2019

**We are currently not accepting applications to paint utility boxes but will re-evaluate as budgeting and policy changes. Please check back here for any future updates.** The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute Class project wrapped up this week, with the completion of six painted utility boxes downtown. The project was developed to enhance...

Freitas Park

Posted on June 7, 2019

The spinning climbing structure at Freitas Park was due for another resurfacing. The Poured-in-Place (PIP) surface previously used was wearing out faster than expected. The Parks Department was able to find a better product with a lifetime warranty! The new tile was installed last week, and the Parks crew put the spinning structure back together...

2017 Storm Damage Repairs – 70 Irwin

Posted on June 7, 2019

The City’s contractor, Valentine Corporation, has installed the rebar in the final retaining wall and is almost done securing the forms. They are anticipating pouring concrete early next week. While the concrete is curing, they will work on the new drainage ditch on the other side of the road. Once the new concrete wall has...

Pickleweed Park Playground: Project Update

Posted on June 7, 2019

On May 28th, Community Playgrounds Inc. began work on the installation of our new playground structures at Pickleweed Park. We see the excitement of the community with several residents stopping by the site to ask questions, reading the posted multi-language banners, and some even bringing their children to watch the construction. The structures themselves should...

Grand Avenue Bridge Opening Soon

Posted on June 7, 2019

The City’s contractor is working towards the completion of the Grand Ave pedestrian bridge project. Remaining work includes removing the mid-block crosswalk in front of Toyota, as well as, installing a bridge deck treatment on the vehicle bridge. Expected completion of the project is June 11th. We anticipate opening the pedestrian bridge to the public...

Signal Timing Changes Around the Smart Train Downtown

Posted on June 7, 2019

Your drive across the railroad tracks downtown should be a little less maddening, after the Traffic Engineering division made some changes to the traffic signal timing in the vicinity of the train tracks downtown. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has very strict rules about traffic signal timing around active railroad tracks, and for good...

Third Street Closure

Posted on June 7, 2019

One of the busiest arterials in Marin was closed last weekend to allow the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) to construct a double track section across 2nd Street. The roadway was closed on Friday night at 8:00 pm and reopened on Sunday afternoon at 5:00 PM. The closure involved multiple stakeholders from Golden Gate...

Advisory: Upcoming Road Closure on 3rd Street (6/7-6/10)

Posted on June 4, 2019

3rd Street Closure Friday, June 7 at 8:00 p.m. to Monday, June 10 at 4:00 a.m Beginning on Friday, June 7 at 8 p.m. and ending on Monday, June 10 at 4 a.m., Third Street will be closed between Tamalpais Avenue to Hetherton Street. To travel westbound, use the following alternate routes: To travel westbound from...

SRP Update + Trees and Sidewalks Coexisting

Posted on May 29, 2019

Street Trees and Sidewalk: As the Sidewalk Repair Program (SRP) moves along, a common theme has played out throughout the City. The sight of trees, and specifically their roots damaging and lifting sidewalks is something most residents have seen firsthand. As a Tree City this presents a challenge, but the City of San Rafael has...

Advisory: Upcoming Road Closures on 2nd Street (5/31-6/3) and 3rd Street (6/7-6/10)

Posted on May 28, 2019

2nd Street Closure Friday, May 31 at 8:00 p.m. to Monday, June 3 at 4:00 a.m Beginning on Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m. and ending on Monday, June 3 at 4 a.m., 2nd Street will be closed between Tamalpais Avenue to Hetherton Street. To travel eastbound, access A Street from Second Street as follows: To...

Falkirk Mansion Re-roof completed

Posted on May 24, 2019

The Falkirk Mansion re-roof is complete. The contractor was able to complete the project a few days early and it was a good thing they did, as the last bout of rain started the day after they finished. Although the exact wood shake shingles were not replaced in-kind due to Fire Code requirements, the fiberglass...

Grand Avenue Bridge Nearing Completion

Posted on May 24, 2019

The contractor has completed the majority of concrete work on the project with only minor sidewalk work remaining. Next steps on the project include asphalt work within the Toyota Marin parking lot, as well as, on the north side of the canal where the City purchased the former Marin Motors parcel. During the second week...

Essential Facilities: Fire Station 52 Ready for Service!

Posted on May 24, 2019

After over two years of anticipation, and more than a decade in the making, we are all very excited to present this facility to the public. It was a joyous occasion for the San Rafael residents, city officials and firefighters that attended Fire Station 52 grand opening and dedication ceremony. Mayor Phillips and Fire Chief...

SMART: Larkspur Extension MUP Phase One

Posted on May 24, 2019

The MUP Phase-1 is nearly completed. The last phase is to install the SMART tracks next to the MUP before they close-in the security fence between the MUP and the tracks. SMART anticipates completing the track installation in the first or second week of June. Once that is completed, they will be able to finish...

Francisco Boulevard West Realignment at Rice Streets

Posted on May 24, 2019

The final work on the Francisco Blvd West realignment is completed and Francisco Blvd West at Rice Street has reopened. There was a bit of a delay from signaling issues, but it’s finally taking traffic!

Forbes Avenue – Sewer Improvement Project

Posted on May 10, 2019

The San Rafael Sanitation District will be advertising the Forbes Avenue Sewer Improvement Project, which includes El Cerrito Avenue and 21 to 141 Fairhills Drive, on May 13, 2019. The project consists of replacing close to 3,000 lineal feet of sanitary sewer pipeline. The Engineers will perform a Public Outreach Meeting at the project site...

Stop Signs take Over Yield Signs

Posted on May 10, 2019

The first STOP sign appeared in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan. There were a variety of colors used for STOP signs until the late 1920s, when the background color was standardized on yellow for maximum day and night visibility. Remember that this was several years before the invention of glass-bead retro-reflectorization for sign faces, so a...

Cayes Pump Station Repairs

Posted on May 10, 2019

The Cayes Pump Station is a small drainage pump station that manages the drainage in the Spinnaker and Baypoint neighborhoods in the Canal. This pump station also manages the water levels in the adjacent pond which fronts both neighborhoods. Over the last winter, which was wetter than normal, a significant leak in the pipe outfall...

Stop! In the Name of Love

Posted on May 10, 2019

UPDATE: After hearing concerns from our residents, the Traffic Engineering division completed an analysis for an All Way STOP at Merrydale Road and US 101 South Ramps and got approval from Caltrans to do the work. Streets Maintenance Crews painted STOP legends and limit lines, refreshed striping, and installed STOP signs and advanced warning signs....

6 Utility Boxes are Getting Painted in Downtown San Rafael!

Posted on May 10, 2019

**We are currently not accepting applications to paint utility boxes but will re-evaluate as budgeting and policy changes. Please check back here for any future updates.** You might have noticed some painting of public property downtown this week. Don’t worry, these street artists have a permit! The 2019 San Rafael Leadership Institute (SRLI) class project...

Online Encroachment Permit Application and Payments

Posted on May 10, 2019

The Department of Public Works is pleased to announce that Encroachment Permit applications and payments will now be accepted online at www.cityofsanrafael.org/epapply. Property owners and contractors will now be able to apply for all types of encroachment permits and make payment via credit card. Once applied for staff will review the permit and send the...

Park-A-Month Volunteer Program

Posted on May 10, 2019

The Park-A-Month Volunteer Program has begun! This fun family-friendly volunteer program helps keep our San Rafael Parks in great shape! The events take place on the third Saturday of each month. On April 20th, Parks personnel and neighborhood volunteers worked together to help clean up the Terra Linda Community Center. The next event is at...

Richmond San Rafael Bridge – Joint Repair Update

Posted on May 10, 2019

Work continues to replace the upper deck bridge joints on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Caltrans is providing weekly progress updates and the work is expected to be complete in July. During this activity, motorists can expect nightly lane closures and steel plates at various locations on the bridge roadway surface.

Pickleweed Park: Preparing for the New Playground

Posted on May 10, 2019

Public Works has received the new playground equipment for Pickleweed Park. The purchase of the equipment was funded by a Community Development Block Grant administered by Marin County. DPW is obtaining the services of a certified playground installer as well as a specialty firm to install the equipment and engineered wood fiber surface. The playground...

Gerstle Park Sidewalk Repair Ramps-up

Posted on May 10, 2019

With great weather to work, Van Midde and Son Concrete has been busy and working hard to replace sidewalk, curb and gutter in Gerstle Park. A program high, 12 properties are currently in the midst of getting their sidewalk repaired with 7 more properties expected to break ground within the next two weeks. Last week,...

Grand Opening Celebration of Fire Station 52

Posted on May 9, 2019

Join us next Monday, May 13 at 5 p.m. for the Hose Uncoupling Ceremony and Housing of the Engine at the grand opening of Fire Station 52! Refreshments will be served and tours of the new station will be conducted. We hope to see you there!

2019 Pt San Pedro Medians Landscaping RFP

Posted on May 3, 2019

Link to full 2019 Pt San Pedro Medians Landscaping Request for Proposals (RFP) The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests proposals for routine landscape maintenance. It is the intent of the City to hire a fully-licensed landscaping contractor that is duly registered and licensed with either a C61 or C27 license in the State...

2018 Sidewalk Repair Complete in Sun Valley

Posted on April 26, 2019

Another week, another milestone! The 2018 Sidewalk Repair program poured concrete at the last property in Sun Valley today. With Sun Valley complete, the focus will turn to Gerstle Park with a heavy schedule lined up to take advantage of this perfect weather. Sun Valley by the Numbers: Total locations with sidewalk or curb and...

Partial Lane Closure Along C Street, Between 4th & 5th Street

Posted on April 25, 2019

Tomorrow, the subcontractor, Teichert Construction for PG&E, will be closing one lane along C street between 4th and 5th Street to install a natural gas line for the future Tamalpais Brewing Co at 1300 4th Street . Work will be performed and completed between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Through traffic will be permitted during...

2nd Street Night Closure – April 23-25,2019

Posted on April 22, 2019

Starting tomorrow evening, Central Valley Engineering and Asphalt will be repaving 2nd Street from A Street to Lindaro Street and Lindaro Street to Andersen Drive to conclude PG&E's gas main replacement work. Partial street closure will begin at 8:00 P.M. with a full closure beginning at 9:00 P.M., the street will re-open at 6:00 A.M. Please use Andersen...

Albert Park Playground Re-Opening Ceremony Flier

Albert Park – Ribbon Cutting & Grand Re-Opening

Posted on April 22, 2019

Join us on April 29 at 3:30 p.m. for the official re-opening of the Albert Park Playground. Help us celebrate our community partners, donors, and staff for making this project such a success! Refreshments will be provided. The playground is located at 618 B Street between the San Rafael Community Center & Marin Bocce Federation....

SMART Larkspur Extension: Realignment Update

Posted on April 19, 2019

The SMART Larkspur Extension construction work on the Francisco Blvd. West realignment and Phase-1 of the Multi-Use Path (from Rice Street to Andersen Drive) is nearing completion. Although most of the work for both Francisco Blvd West and the MUP has been completed, there is a lot of work needed to be done on the...

Southern Heights: Project Design

Posted on April 19, 2019

On Monday, April 15th, the City Council approved seven temporary construction easements associated with renting private property. The project design continues to advance toward completion, which we anticipate by June 2019. The design team continues to coordinate with several private utility companies regarding the relocation of one wood utility pole as well as the installation...

Falkirk Mansion: New Roof!

Posted on April 19, 2019

The Falkirk Mansion is scheduled to get a new roof within the first few weeks of May. The badly needed roofing will replace the aged wood-shake shingles with a new fiberglass wood-shake-look shingle. Needing to keep within the fire code requirements, the fiberglass shingles were a good solution, and were carefully chosen based on their ...

Paint and Signs, Paint and Signs…

Posted on April 19, 2019

Have you noticed the new parking lot signs around town? Streets Maintenance Crews received the first parking lot sign work order from Parking Services to install our beautiful new parking lot signs! The sign pictured is at the 3rd and Cijos Street lot. You may also notice the revamping of fresh paint in our handicap...

MCSTOPP Receives Grant for Trash Control Infrastructure

Posted on April 19, 2019

The Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP) made up of Marin’s 11 cities and towns and the County of Marin recently received a nearly $700,000 grant to fund trash control infrastructure. MCSTOPPP was one of eight Bay Area communities that were selected by the EPA for funding. This is an important boost to local...

Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge: Ramps Being Installed

Posted on April 19, 2019

Over the last couple of weeks, the Contractor has made great progress on the bridge project by forming the approach ramps leading to each side of the pedestrian bridge. Additionally, the Contractor recently relocated parking lot lighting and a water line inside of the Toyota parking lot. Electrical work on the pedestrian bridge itself is...

Marin Half Marathon Road Closure on Pt. San Pedro – 4/28 7:30 – 11:30 am

Posted on April 17, 2019

Sustainable Sports Foundation will be hosting the eleventh annual Marin County Half Marathon event on Sunday, April 28 at McNears Beach. Starting at 7:30 a.m. until approximately 11 :30 a.m., Point San Pedro Road will be closed at the east entrance of Biscayne, through China Camp State Park. Access through China Camp will not be...

Weather Update – Monday, April 15, 2019

Posted on April 15, 2019

Synopsis: The NWS is predicting a fast-moving storm to hit the area today bringing about 1/3” of rain. Most of the precipitation is predicted to occur late this afternoon into the early evening. Dry, warming conditions are then expected to occur for the remainder of the week. It is entirely possible that spring has officially...

2018 Sidewalk Repair Program Reaches the Quarter Way Mark

Posted on April 12, 2019

Despite the second wettest winter on record, the 2018 Sidewalk Repair reached the quarter way mark this week. With 7 more locations completed in the last two weeks, the program has now replaced sidewalks at 37 properties. Work continued in Gerstle Park as four locations on E St were successfully completed. With the rains tapering...

PG&E Contractors to Inspect Gas Meters in Marin County

Posted on April 11, 2019

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — As part of PG&E’s ongoing efforts to provide safe and reliable gas service to customers, contractors will perform routine gas meter inspections in Novato, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Sausalito and Tiburon this week. Contract workers are inspecting approximately 18,000 residential and commercial gas meters. The contractors with Underground Construction are carrying a...

Open House Experience

Posted on April 5, 2019

Public Works and the San Rafael Sanitation District work around the clock to make sure that our infrastructure is functioning properly: our roads, traffic signals, sewers, bridges, City buildings, and more. Last week we opened our doors to City staff, residents and the community members of San Rafael for a behind-the-scenes look in to what...

Public Works and Community Development Joint Stormwater Training

Posted on April 5, 2019

With the help of Rob Carson, Program Administrator of the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program, Public Works and Community Development met to learn about stormwater systems, and the rules and regulations that govern discharge to our creeks and bays. About 25 city employees attended the two-hour training at City Hall. The City, under a...

Basement Work in the Public Safety Center

Posted on April 5, 2019

The basement at the PSC is looking more gorgeous each day. The concrete block walls have been installed allowing for plumbing, fire sprinkler piping and ductwork to be placed in the basement. Large pieces of equipment are being delivered and stored in the basement so that they are available as needed to expidite construction. A...

Ready, Set, PLAY! Albert Park Grand Opening April 29th

Posted on April 5, 2019

The City’s contractor, M3 Integrated Services, has installed the resilient rubber surfacing at the Albert Park play area. The landscapers were out this week starting some beautification improvements to the park. Once the final touches have been completed the City will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony which is scheduled for April 29th at 3:30...

Saturated Soil: 70 Irwin Update

Posted on April 5, 2019

The City’s contractor Valentine Corp. resumed work last week. Due to the heavy rains the site was saturated with water and mud. Valentine Corp removed over 400 cubic yards of mud and installed spring drains that will divert several liters per minute out of the hill through a subterranean drainage system.

Almost Solar Ready: City Hal Switchgear

Posted on April 5, 2019

Cal Elite Builders poured the retaining wall for the new eletrical pad on Saturday. They have started compacting back-fill inside of the wall in preparation for pouring the new electrical pad. After this project is complete and new switch gear is installed the infrastructure at City Hall will be ready for solar panel installation on...

Bridge Over Calm Waters: Grand Avenue Bridge

Posted on April 5, 2019

On Friday, March 15th, the City’s contractor hit a major milestone by installing the new pedestrian bridge over San Rafael canal. At 1:20 AM, a very large crane, stationed inside of the Toyota Marin parking lot, hoisted the bridge into place capping many years of planning and design. The installation of the bridge took a...

Final Touches to Fire Station 52

Posted on April 5, 2019

Alten Construction is currently installing the final touches to complete Fire Station 52. During the last few weeks Alten Construction has replaced the sidewalks, and curb and gutter. The landscaping, irrigation and planting to help enhance the project is already complete. The fire crews will be pleased to know that the bedroom furniture has been...

PG&E to Install Power at Fire Station 57

Posted on April 5, 2019

The Civic Center Dr. fire station is nearing completion too. The contractor has nearly finished taping and finishing the interior walls and painting has begun. Although, the site work has been impacted by the rain, the team projects to complete the concrete transformer pad to receive PG&E inspection in early April in time for PG&E...

Sidewalk Repair Program Update: 2nd St Work Complete, Gerstle Park Work Begins

Posted on March 29, 2019

Despite the continued on and off wet weather, Van Midde and Son Concrete and the City have been hard at work completing new sidewalk, curb and gutter. On Second Street alone, 2,000 sqft of sidewalk, 200 feet of curb and gutter, and a new storm drain were recently completed. With all the rain, the benefits...

Sidewalk Repair Program project underway on 2nd Street this week

Posted on March 13, 2019

If you've driven down Second Street this week - you may have noticed a lane closure along with some pretty major sidewalk construction between C and D Streets. Van Midde & Son Concrete began work on Monday with what might be one of the largest square footage of sidewalk repair in this year's program. The...

Weather Update – Monday March 11, 2019

Posted on March 11, 2019

We should expect a drying and warming trend this week and into the coming weekend. YAY! The rain previously predicted for tomorrow is now expected to fizzle-out before it reaches the Bay area, so we’re expecting dry conditions for the whole week. Tides: Tide peaks for this week are predicted to range between 5.3-ft and 6.2-ft. With the predicted...

Heads Up! New All Way STOP

Posted on March 8, 2019

The Traffic Engineering Division got the go ahead from Caltrans to install an All Way STOP at Merrydale Road and US 101 South Ramps! The work includes: painting stop legends and limit lines, refreshing striping, and installing STOP signs and advanced warning signs. Our maintenance crews will do the installation in the wee hours of...

Another Storm Article – 2019 Slides

Posted on March 8, 2019

Over the last several weeks we have seen an extraordinary amount of rainfall pass through Marin County (see Rain, Rain Go Away article). Storm weather services have categorized some of the storms as atmospheric rivers”, a flashy name for a plume of tropical moisture in the atmosphere that can result in heavy rainfall or snowfall...

North Francisco Pump Station Replacement

Posted on March 8, 2019

The North Francisco Pump Station was built by Caltrans in 1999. Its purpose is to pump large amounts of water from the surrounding area including the freeway, the Gerstle Park, and Bret Harte neighborhoods into the bay. There are 4, 250 horsepower (hp) motors and 2, 30 hp pumps, each 40 feet long, at this...

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Posted on March 8, 2019

Dear March, we don’t want any trouble from you. February was a little iffy, so just come in, sit down, and don’t touch anything! Last week another major storm hit the Bay Area. Localized flooding due to rainfall and tides were recurrent but, our well-prepared City Maintenance crews worked through the evening and early morning...

Grand Avenue Bridge Delivery

Posted on March 8, 2019

Over the past few weeks Valentine Corp. has removed and replaced the concrete barrier on the east side of the Grand Ave vehicle bridge. The new pedestrian bridge arrived Friday morning (March 8th) in two pieces and is being stored inside of the Toyota Marin parking lot so that final assembly and installation of the...

SMART Larkspur Extension Update 3/08/2019

Posted on March 8, 2019

The SMART Larkspur Extension construction work on the Francisco Blvd. West realignment and Phase-1 of the Multi-Use Path (from Rice Street to Andersen Drive) has been slowed a bit due to the rain. Ghilotti Brothers was able to squeeze-in one concrete pour for the MUP down at the Anderson Street connection. There are two small...

We’re Watching You

Posted on March 8, 2019

The Traffic Engineering Division is working hard to get our traffic signals modernized, starting with video detection. The cameras were installed at 4 locations (Mission/Hetherton, 2nd/Hetherton, 2nd/Irwin, 2nd/Grand). The images below are of 2nd Street/Irwin Street. The “MioVision” fish eye camera provides a live stream of the intersection; the second image shows the cars from...

Sidewalk Repair Program still in Sun Valley through March

Posted on March 3, 2019

Over the next two weeks, Van Midde & Son Concrete will continue to work on the following Sun Valley locations: 150 Forbes Ave 1623 Fifth Ave 1702 Fifth Ave 210 H Street 222 H Street 1840 Fifth Ave 1848 Fifth Ave 1902 Fifth Ave 222 H street 149 Center Heavy rain and winter weather in...

Play Structure Voting Results

Posted on March 1, 2019

Over the last couple of weeks, Theo Sanchez & Kevin McGowan of the Public Works Department have made presentations for the Pickleweed Advisory Board Committee and Parks & Recreation Commission to discuss the potential playground structures and gather additional feedback from the community. The Advisory Board and the Parks & Recreation Commission were both pleased...

Weekly Weather Update from the National Weather Service

Posted on February 25, 2019

Synopsis: Another atmospheric river (AR) storm has arrived to the Bay area. Coming from the south Pacific it will bring copious amounts of precipitation from the subtropics as it drifts slowly southward into the San Francisco Bay Area over the next 24 hours. It is predicted to then stall-out through late Tuesday night, resulting in...

Uncontrolled Crossing Evaluation and Prioritization

Posted on February 22, 2019

The Traffic Division is completing an assessment of uncontrolled crossings throughout the City and we will be chipping away at improvements now through summertime. An uncontrolled crosswalk is anywhere there is a marked crosswalk and cross traffic does not have to stop except for when a pedestrian is present. In this initial assessment, we studied...

Public Works and Parking Services Team Up to Save You Time!

Posted on February 22, 2019

City Employee: What’s that? You’re applying for an encroachment permit (EP)? Resident/Contractor: Yes, we’ll be painting, and we’ll need to place scaffolding on the sidewalk, I think we’ll need to take up two parking spaces as well. City Employee: Okay, you’ll need to apply for the EP here, jump through a ring of fire, tame...

Update: SMART Larkspur Extension – Phase 1 Near Completion

Posted on February 22, 2019

The SMART Larkspur Extension construction work on the Francisco Blvd. West realignment and Phase-1 of the Multi-Use Path (from Rice Street to Andersen Drive) is rapidly nearing completion. The section of roadway from 2nd Street to Irwin Drive was opened for traffic earlier this month. The Francisco Blvd. West and Rice Drive intersection, where the...

Public Safety Center – Update 2/22/2019

Posted on February 22, 2019

The Public Safety Center construction team has been finding ways to make progress and work around the storms. Currently, most of the structural steel has been erected and the metal framing has started at the ground level. The electrical, plumbing, and mechanical subcontractors have been working in the basement.

Fire Station #57 – Update – 2/22/2019

Posted on February 22, 2019

Fire Station #57 construction of interior walls is underway. Sheetrock continues to be installed and the contractor is moving toward mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections before closing the walls. They are also chipping away at the site work while maximizing their efforts on every clear day that they can get. Despite the heavy rains, they...