Public Works News - San Rafael

1/15/19 – Weekly Weather Update from NWS

Posted on January 15, 2019

Synopsis Periods of light rain and locally gusty southeast winds will continue today through Tuesday as multiple systems pass through the region. A stronger and more organized cold front will arrive Wednesday afternoon and evening with heavy rain and strong winds. Showers linger on Thursday with a drying trend Friday and Saturday before another chance...

1/11/2019 – Field Maintenance

Posted on January 11, 2019

In between the rains our Parks Maintenance crews have been renovating the City’s sporting fields. Pickleweed Park has been aerated, fertilized, over seeded, and top-dressed. The main reason for aerating is to alleviate soil compaction but the perforations also allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply...

1/11/2019 – Bret Harte Park Restroom Installation

Posted on January 11, 2019

The City’s contractor McNabb construction has started the electrical work and is well on their way to completion. Ghilotti Bros. Inc. and Miksis Services Inc. will pipe burst the existing sewer lateral from the original restroom next week. McNabb construction is going to set the restroom on the 23rd.

1/11/2019 – 2017 Storm Damage Repairs: 70 Irwin

Posted on January 11, 2019

The City’s contractor Valentine Corporation has winterized the slope and maintained the plastic tarps and other erosion control measures throughout the couple of rain storms. The contractor is going to start rebuilding the slope above the first concrete retaining wall next week in anticipation of drilling the piles for the last and largest concrete retaining...

1/11/2019 – Albert Park Play Area Improvements

Posted on January 11, 2019

The playground equipment has arrived. The City’s contractor M3 Integrated Services is working on drilling the foundations for the playground equipment and grading for the play surfacing. The park should be dedicated and open for play in April 2019.

1/11/2019 – Update: SMART Larkspur Extension

Posted on January 11, 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) continues to move forward. The Contractor continues focus on the new Rice Drive and Francisco Blvd West intersection and rail crossing. They’ve ground-out paving over the portion of Rice Drive being...

1/11/2019 – Weekend Storm Watch

Posted on January 11, 2019

Sunday’s storm preparation commenced around 6:00 AM with Kenny Gatlin and Tylor Nord, two of our Streets Maintenance crew members inspecting the City’s 12 pump stations. As the rains and storm related dispatch calls increased, our two-man crew turned to three when John Shindelus joined Gatlin and Nord to remedy an obstructed v-ditch and flooding...

1/9/19 – Las Gallinas Avenue Lane Closure – Safety Tree Maintenance

Posted on January 9, 2019

On January 10 and 11, the City’s tree contractor, Treemasters, will be closing the northbound lane on Las Gallinas Avenue between Northgate Drive and Merrydale Road to perform safety tree maintenance work. Work will be performed between 7 AM and 3 PM. The southbound lane will remain open during this time for southbound travelers. Detour...

1/4/19 – Weekly Weather Update from National Weather Service

Posted on January 4, 2019

WIND ADVISORY The National Weather Service in San Francisco has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 4 AM to 4 PM Saturday, January 5. Southerly winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph in the highest peaks and ridges. Winds will increase...

1/2/19 – Sidewalk Repair Program Update: Construction week 4

Posted on January 2, 2019

Construction at the following address is anticipated to begin January 14, weather dependent: 1312 Second Street Construction on average is anticipated to take up to 5 days, starting with demolition of the existing sidewalk, removal of minor tree roots, followed by placement of the forms for new concrete, and completed with the pouring the new...

Road Closure Notice: Rice Drive

Posted on January 2, 2019

Construction work to install the railroad crossing at Rice Drive will require the road's closure from Francisco Blvd. W. to the west side of the tracks from January 2–31, 2019. Businesses on Rice Drive will remain open during construction.

12/26/18 – Sidewalk Repair Program Update: Sun Valley construction week 3

Posted on December 26, 2018

Construction at the following four addresses is anticipated to begin January 7, weather dependent: 204 Forbes Ave 315 Forbes Ave 329 Forbes Ave 135 Eye Steet 375 FOrbes Ave 20 Elizabeth Way 1972 5th Ave Construction on average is anticipated to take up to 5 days, starting with demolition of the existing sidewalk, removal of...

12/21/2018 – Third and Hetherton

Posted on December 21, 2018

The City Council approved a revised direction to improve the intersection of Third and Hetherton. The revised direction includes the crosswalk removal on the south leg of the intersection and the addition of a crosswalk on the east leg. This design will eliminate the pedestrian vehicular conflict between the heavy left turn movement and pedestrians...

12/21/2018 – Southern Heights Bridge

Posted on December 21, 2018

On Monday December 17, 2018, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP), which shows all of the proposed funding for projects throughout the region and state. The FTIP showed that the full construction funding for Southern Heights Bridge was approved for FY 18/19. The documents note $4,185,000 for construction. Public...

12/21/2018 – Highway Safety Improvemnt Program (HSIP) Funding: Notice of Grant Award

Posted on December 21, 2018

With the help of Parisi Transportation Consulting, Public Works was successful in applying for, and receiving grant funding from the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) for 3rd Street from Lindaro Street to Grand Avenue. The $1,575,000 will fund high-visibility crosswalks with accessible curb ramps, advanced stop bars, pedestrian countdown signals at five intersections and...

12/21/2018 – Grand Avenue Update

Posted on December 21, 2018

In early December, the contractor completed installation of the bridge abutments on each side of the San Rafael Canal. With abutment work complete, the contractor is focused on replacing the bridge barrier located on the west side of the vehicle bridge. While on the surface this barrier may appear simple to install, the barrier requires...

12/21/2018 – 2017 Storm Damage Repairs: 70 Irwin

Posted on December 21, 2018

The City’s contractor Valentine Corporation poured the first concrete wall and is in the process of stripping the forms and backfilling behind the wall. The contractor will rebuild the slope up to Irwin Street and start working on the last retaining wall during the holidays. After the 4th retaining wall is finished the contractor will...

12/21/2018 – San Rafael Creek Bridge: North Bound Central San Rafael Offramp

Posted on December 21, 2018

On December 17, 2018 the City Council authorized a contract with a local engineering design firm to develop a design to add a double right turn lane onto east bound 2nd Street from the North Bound 101 off-ramp to central San Rafael. The design is being fast tracked with the intent to include this work...

12/21/18 – SRP Update: Sun Valley construction week 2

Posted on December 21, 2018

Construction at the following four addresses is anticipated to begin January 3, weather dependent: 26 Eye Street 40 Harcourt Street 149 Forbes Ave 135 H Street Construction on average is anticipated to take up to 5 days, starting with demolition of the existing sidewalk, removal of minor tree roots, followed by placement of the forms...

12/20/18 – 2019 Parkette Routine Landscape Maintenance RFP (rev 12/20/18)

Posted on December 20, 2018

Link to full Parkette Routine Landscape Maintenance 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 of California. Services...

12/17/18 – SRP Update: Construction has Started!

Posted on December 17, 2018

Construction has started at the 6 initial Sun Valley properties identified in the 12/4/18 – Sidewalk Repair Program (SRP) Update. Today Van Midde & Son Concrete crews demoed out over 700 square feet of sidewalk, and will getting ready to set forms for the new concrete as soon as tomorrow or Wednesday. The new sidewalk...

12/17/18 – Weekly Weather Update from NWS

Posted on December 17, 2018

No rain the immediate area is expected until late afternoon Thursday. But it’s not expected to produce very much precipitation. Then there should be another break until late Saturday night with more light rain expected. The King-tide season is upon us as peaks at the Golden Gate Bridge are predicted to reach 6.9-ft by Sunday...

12/10/18 – SRP Update: Street Trees and Private Trees tagged for Removal

Posted on December 10, 2018

Last week our Parks Maintenance visited the 32 Sidewalk Repair Program locations where trees have been identified as needing removal. The majority of these locations were trees in the Right of Way (located between the sidewalk and the street) but five of the properties involved trees on private property. See diagram below: As a reminder,...

12/10/18 – Weekly Weather Update from NWS

Posted on December 10, 2018

Weekly Synopsis The NWS predicts chances of isolated showers north of Santa Cruz today and tomorrow with a drying trend into Wednesday. However, for the San Rafael area there isn’t much rain predicted until late Friday when a front moves through the area. Then, we may expect a wet weekend containing light showers. Peak tides...

12/07/2018 – Emergency Pump Repair – Kerner Station

Posted on December 7, 2018

Thanksgiving weekend brought the City of San Rafael its first good storm of 2018 with 3.5 inches of rain over a 3-day period. Public Works crews performed an on-site emergency pump repair at Kerner Pump in-between Storms. The Streets pump crew removed, repaired and reinstalled the pump within a five-hour period. Just in time for...

12/07/18 – Grand Avenue Bridge Update

Posted on December 7, 2018

During mid-November, the contractor installed 27’ deep pile foundations on each side of the San Rafael Canal. While the pounding of concrete generated a lot of noise, the work was done in about 12 working hours split up over three days. The next step is for the contractor to construct the bridge abutments on top...

12/07/18 – Coordination of Construction Downtown

Posted on December 7, 2018

With a lot of large projects happening in our hustling and bustling downtown, the folks in the Traffic Engineering and Land Development Division are working hard to continue coordinating with all the general contractors, subconsultants, and agencies that have their hands in everything from water to sewer to sidewalk repair to pavement restoration. Our inspectors...

12/10/18 – SMART Larkspur Extension Update

Posted on December 7, 2018

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) continues to move forward with the bulk of the work at the new Rice Drive and Francisco Blvd West intersection and rail crossing. Underground drainage facilities and preliminary grading have been...

12/07/18 – Essential Facilities: Public Safety Center

Posted on December 7, 2018

It’s been busy at the Public Safety Center site! In the last three weeks, the contractor had two extremely successful concrete pours. A total of over 1,000 cubic yards of concrete was placed by crews of up to 50 workers including truck drivers, concrete pump operators, concrete installers, finishers, and the construction management team. This...

12/07/18 – Albert Park Play Area Improvement

Posted on December 7, 2018

The City’s contractor, M3 Integrated Services, has been working on grading the hillside and installing the underground utilities. This project will continue through the winter. The contractor has been winterizing the site before every rain.

12/07/2018 – Bret Harte Park Restroom Installation

Posted on December 7, 2018

The City’s contractor, McNabb Construction, has demolished the existing Arbor at Bret Harte Park and intends to begin trenching for the sewer line once the weather clears up. The shade structure should be installed by the end of the year and the long-awaited restroom should be placed and completed by the end of January.

12/07/18 – 2017 Storm Damage Repairs: 21 San Pablo

Posted on December 7, 2018

The City’s contractor, Hillside Drilling, has completed the retaining wall and has placed erosion control measures. They should be 100% complete with the slide repair by the end of the year.

12/07/18 – 2017 Storm Damage Repairs: 70 Irwin

Posted on December 7, 2018

The City’s contractor, Valentine Corporation, has completed the first two retaining walls and is now forming the first cast in drilled hole (CIDH) retaining wall on the slope. They have also started demolition of Gleniare Drive in hopes of completing the lower phase of the project before the end of the year.

12/4/18 – SRP Update: Sun Valley construction Week 1

Posted on December 4, 2018

Construction at the following six addresses is anticipated to begin December 17, weather dependent: 102 Eye Street 110 Center Street 132 Center Street 27 Harcourt St 3 Pine Street 30 Center Street Van Midde and Son Concrete will email property owners a few days prior to commencement of work. Construction on average is anticipated to...

12/3/18 – Weekly Weather Update from NWS

Posted on December 3, 2018

Weekly Synopsis Dry and seasonably cool weather is forecast through this afternoon. Unsettled weather conditions return late tonight into Tuesday as a storm system approaches the central California coast. This is a lighter storm with a predicted total of about 0.65” Monday-Tuesday and then about a 0.25” Wednesday-Thursday. Dry conditions are expected to return by...

11/29/18 – Sidewalk Repair Program Update: Scheduling construction

Posted on November 29, 2018

As of 11/29, the City has received signed agreements from 183 property owners in San Rafael for sidewalk construction work. We are excited that the first year of the program will be making a visible impact on sidewalks in San Rafael, with 22,453 square feet of sidewalk slated to be replaced, representing over a mile of new sidewalk...

11/28/18 – Grand Ave Night Work – Thursday, November 29, 2018 | 9:00 pm – 5:00 am

Posted on November 28, 2018

On Thursday, November 29, 2018 our contractor for the Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge project is planning on installing temporary K-rail (a concrete barrier used to separate or redirect traffic) on the existing bridge. The contractor will have flaggers and signage for traffic control while the K-rail is being placed. Work begins at 9:00 pm and...

City Open Space Areas Closed Until Further Notice Due to Extreme Fire Danger

Posted on November 16, 2018

*UPDATE* All open space areas in the City of San Rafael have been reopened as of Friday, December 7 due to low fire danger. All open space areas in the City of San Rafael are closed to the public until further notice due to extreme fire danger. Per San Rafael Municipal Code 19.10.040 Due to...

11/16/18 – Bay Area Air Quality Remains at Unhealthy Levels

Posted on November 16, 2018

The Air District is issuing a smoke advisory today due to the Butte County fire that developed a week ago. Heavy smoke from this wildfire in the North Bay counties is causing very unhealthy air quality throughout the region and is not expected to improve for several days. . Bay Area residents impacted by wildfire smoke are advised to: Limit outdoor...

11/9/18 – 2017 Storm Damage Repairs Update – 80 Toyon

Posted on November 9, 2018

The City’s contractor Maggiora and Ghilotti has completed this project and the notice of completion should go before council in December.

11/9/18 – North Francisco Pump Station Fencing

Posted on November 9, 2018

A new fence was installed this week around the North Francisco pump station. Prior to the fence being installed this area was became a gathering spot for IV drug users and homeless camps. The situation created a health and safety hazard for the public, as well as, the Department of Public Works and San Rafael...

11/9/18 – SMART LARKSPUR EXTENSION UPDATE

Posted on November 9, 2018

The SMART Larkspur Extension construction work on the Francisco Blvd has been moving along steadily. West realignment and Phase-1 of the Multi-Use Path is starting to look like a street and a path. The Contractor has paved from the 2nd Street intersection to where the new Rice Drive intersection will be. It’s starting to look...

11/9/18 – Pedestrian Albert Park Play Area Improvements

Posted on November 9, 2018

The City’s contractor M3 Integrated Services has been working on clearing and grubbing the future playground area. The contractor has begun demolition of the existing asphalt pathways and light standards. They are on schedule for a park dedication early next year.

11/9/18 – Grand Avenue Update

Posted on November 9, 2018

The Grand Ave bridge project is underway with excavation for the new bridge abutments on both the north and south sides of the San Rafael Canal. The Contractor uncovered buried concrete associated with a retaining wall at the former Marin Motors site. The City’s retained structural engineer reviewed the issues and the contractor is now...

11/9/18 – Vallecito Child Care – Shed Installation

Posted on November 9, 2018

Vallecito Child Care has a new addition to their facility. Our team removed old shed that was rotten and beyond repair. We built a new pier foundation for tough shed to install the unit and we included the front deck entrance to the shed for easy and convenient access.

11/11/18 – Implementing Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI)

Posted on November 9, 2018

In response to community interest in LPI, staff used the results of the County-wide Systemic Safety Analysis Report (SSAR) to select initial potential locations. Selected intersections in the downtown area have higher-than-average collision rates - compared to the state-wide average for similar facilities. The addition of LPI’s will allow the pedestrian phase to activate sooner...

11/11/18 – 2017 Storm Damage Repairs Update – 21 San Pablo

Posted on November 9, 2018

The City’s contractor Hillside Drilling has completed the cast in drilled hole (CIDH) concrete piles and they have set the tieback anchors for the retaining wall at Tarrant court. The contractor has started tying rebar for the inside of the retaining wall.

11/11/18 – 2017 Storm Damage Repairs Update – 70 Irwin

Posted on November 9, 2018

The City’s contractor Valentine Corporation has nearly completed the work in the backyards on Glenaire Drive and they have started working on the third retaining wall on the hillside. The City is building a series of four retaining walls to stabilize the hillside and protect Irwin street during future winter storm.

Watercoloring rendering of the new Public Safety Center

11/9/18 – Essential Facilities – The Transformation is Evident!

Posted on November 9, 2018

Fire Station #52 If you’ve driven by any of the Essential Facilities projects, you have seen the undeniable transformation that the City of San Rafael is going through. At Fire Station #52 the Training Tower, the Training Classroom and the Fire Station buildings are very close to completion. In the last few months, the contractor...

11/1/18 – Stormwater Inspections in Action

Posted on November 1, 2018

It’s that time of year when our Department of Public Works staff come out to clean the City’s storm drains and headwalls before the rainy season begins. This is the second year that our staff members are using a smartphone app to keep track of inspections completed and and drains cleaned. The app combines a...

10/31/18 – Central San Rafael 101 NB Off-ramp Replacement

Posted on October 31, 2018

TAKE THE SURVEY Caltrans San Rafael 101 NB Off-ramp Presentation Caltrans intends to rebuild the bridge that makes up the northbound 101 Central San Rafael highway off ramp. The reason for this work is that the existing structure is inadequate so the entire bridge will be replaced over a large part of next year. ...

Lincoln Avenue Bridge Repair Project – Request for Proposal

Posted on October 22, 2018

The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests proposals from qualified engineering Consultants for design, environmental clearance/permitting assistance, and construction support on the Lincoln Ave Bridge Repair project. Proposals 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...

10/19/18 – Grand Avenue Pathway Connector Project

Posted on October 19, 2018

The Grand Ave Pathway Connector project contractor, Valentine Corp., began work by performing exploratory field work on the former Marin Motors site at 750 Grand Ave. To our surprise, we located existing concrete and steel sheet piles buried under the asphalt in the location of the new bridge abutment. The design team is working hand...

10/18/18 – Landslide Repair – 70 Irwin

Posted on October 19, 2018

Work is moving quickly at 70 Irwin; this week the City’s contractor Valentine Corporation started installing MSE block walls at the bottom of the hillside that was also the scene of a landslide during the winter of 2017. Installation of these two block walls marks the beginning of the long-awaited hillside restoration.

10/19/18 – Mudslide Repair – 80 Upper Toyon

Posted on October 19, 2018

This week the City’s contractor Maggiora and Ghilotti finished installing a CIDH retaining wall and repaving the roadway at 80 Upper Toyon. This project was designed to support the roadway after a mudslide happened downhill of the road in the winter of 2017. FEMA and Cal-OES will reimburse the City the majority of the cost...

10/19/18 – Grate Repair

Posted on October 19, 2018

Fall has arrived and the North Bay had its first rainfall of the year earlier this month - with over a 1” of rain. Crews from the Street Division performed an emergency repair to the grates that protect large items from entering the storm water pump station located at 400 Canal Street. Within a four-hour...

10/19/18 – Touch a Truck Day

Posted on October 19, 2018

On Saturday October 6th, the City of San Rafael Public Works participated in Star Academy’s Touch-A-Truck Day. Street Supervisors Chris Dowds and John Shindelus brought over two of the Street Divisions newest and biggest pieces of equipment. This event is a hands-on family event where children see and touch the trucks and meet the people...

10/19/18 – New Tivoli Lights Coming to 4th Street West End

Posted on October 19, 2018

The Department of Public Works will be installing new decorative “Tivoli” string lights on 4th St. between Shaver and F St. This project represents a collaboration with Economic Development, Public Works and the local business community, in a broader effort to promote Downtown and the West End, in time for the winter holidays! Please join...

10/5/18 – Construction Around the City – Buidlingeye Map

Posted on October 5, 2018

San Rafael Public Works is proud to announce that we've launched buildingeye, an interactive, user-friendly online map that allows constituents to easily look up roadway construction happening in San Rafael and allows those doing the construction to view the status of their permit online. The map is now live on the Public Works homepage at ...

10/5/18 – LED Street Light Upgrades

Posted on October 5, 2018

As part of a larger effort to reduce the City’s carbon footprint, the City recently completed converting 2,700 high pressure sodium (HPS) street lights citywide with more efficient light-emitting diode (LED). The LED lights, use dramatically less energy than the standard older, HPS lights, and are estimated to save the City $130,000 in energy costs...

10/5/18 – San Rafael Utility Work

Posted on October 5, 2018

PG&E Gas Transmission Line Several very large utility projects were initiated by PG&E within the City throughout the summer. The most visible PG&E project is located on Second Street, Lindaro Street, Andersen Drive, Irwin Street, Woodland Ave, Du Bois Street. PG&E is replacing a gas main from around A Street through the Bret Harte neighborhood....

10/5/18 – SMART Larkspur Extension Update

Posted on October 5, 2018

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) continues to move forward rapidly. The Contractor has nearly completed the curb & gutter and sidewalk installation and will be paving the new Francisco Blvd West within a few weeks. And,...

10/5/18 – Utility Box Art Program News

Posted on October 5, 2018

Public Works has been working in collaboration with Economic Development to pilot the City’s first ever Utility Box Art Program. The program will have a dual purpose of 1) reducing the financial cost of removing graffiti from frequently-hit boxes downtown and 2) enhancing the downtown area with vibrant public art that showcases local artists and...

9/21/18 – G Street Improvements – Phase II

Posted on September 21, 2018

On Tuesday, September 18th, the City’s contractor, Ghilotti Bros., resurfaced G Street between Fourth Street and Mission Avenue. Prior to resurfacing, new concrete wheelchair ramps and a drainage system were installed. The work has progressed quickly over the past month and will be done by the end of September.

9/21/18 – Upcoming Wet Paint! Sunday, September 23

Posted on September 21, 2018

Weekend Striping! On Sunday, September 23, the Department of Public Works will be center striping, or re-painting the center road markings, through Downtown San Rafael. Staff will be using a water-based paint to do the job. It’s environmentally responsible, paint remains flexible and withstands movement, it’s fast drying (10-15 minutes!), and it comes in many...

9/21/18 – Wet Paint

Posted on September 21, 2018

This week, Streets Maintenance Crews added some safety aspects to the Puerto Suello bike path heading southbound on the bike path and coming up the Linden lane tunnel/stairway. Delineators were added to guide bicyclists coming down the hill away from the stairway and approaching pedestrians, as well as, a bright PEDESTRIAN sign to the left....

9/21/18 – Milestone for East San Rafael Parking Project

Posted on September 21, 2018

Last year, City Council supported a 6-month study to evaluate existing East San Rafael parking conditions and better prepare parking solutions the City could implement. The City is first pursuing a short-term strategy of implementing time-limited parking. Following the estimated sign installation timeline, the Department of Public Works Maintenance crews have been hard at work...

9/21/18 – Hunter Young, Senior Civil Engineer – Employee of the Quarter

Posted on September 21, 2018

On Monday night’s Council Meeting DPW’s own Senior Civil Engineer Hunter Young was recognized as San Rafael’s 2018 Employee of the Second Quarter. From managing the complex $3.5 million Freitas Las Gallinas Intersection Improvements project, to Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge to coordinating all things SMART in San Rafael – including rail crossings downtown and...

9/20/18 – SMART Larkspur Extension Update

Posted on September 21, 2018

The SMART Larkspur extension construction realignment of Francisco Blvd. West and first phase of the Multi-Use Path (from Rice Street to Andersen Drive) continues to move forward at a rapid pace. The Contractor has nearly completed the curb & gutter and sidewalk installation for the new Francisco Blvd West. The sheet piles that support the...

9/20/18 – Sidewalk Repair Program Update

Posted on September 20, 2018

Van Midde Concrete has conducted 114 of 198 final inspections and will be sending out all remaining final agreements for property owners to sign over the next few weeks. Property owners are instructed to sign the final agreement from Van Midde, and send the City a copy. Once the City receives the copy of the...

9/7/18 – Essential Facilities – Fire Station #52 & #57 and Public Safety Center Update

Posted on September 7, 2018

The construction team continues to show results at our Essential Facilities projects. At Fire Station #52, with the training tower complete, the contractor has refocused its resources for the interior build out of the main building, exterior facade, and the on-site and off-site utilities. Bay Cities Paving & Grading, a subcontractor to Alten, will continue to...

9/7/18 – PG&E Work in San Rafael

Posted on September 7, 2018

Over the last several months PG&E has been working on a vital natural gas main that travels through the Bret Harte neighborhood and feeds most of southern Marin. After the San Bruno pipeline explosion, PG&E thoroughly evaluated gas lines throughout the state and identified this one as one needing replacing – as the system has...

9/7/18 – SMART Larkspur Extension Update

Posted on September 7, 2018

Progress on the SMART Larkspur extension construction continues to move rapidly with the Francisco Blvd. West realignment and Phase-1 of the Multi-Use Path (from Rice Street to Andersen Drive). The Contractor has placed the aggregate base and is now installing curb & gutter on the north end. Construction of the Multi Use Path-Phase 1 is...

9/4/18 – Sidewalk Repair Program Update

Posted on September 4, 2018

Public Works and contractors have been hard at work answering sidewalk repair inquiries and final inspection scheduling all throughout late July and August. Thank you to all applicants that have arranged for the final inspection required with their preferred contractor before the deadline. Do not be alarmed if contractors are slow to respond, doubling of...

8/23/18 – Storm Water Pump Maintenance

Posted on August 24, 2018

DPW has started its annual review and repair of several storm water pumps. This year we are removing a total of three pumps for repair or possible replacement. In order to review and determine if the unit need repair, the entire pump is removed and shipped to the contractor’s yard where it is dismantled and...

8/23/18 – Smart Larkspur Extension Update

Posted on August 24, 2018

The SMART Larkspur extension construction work continues with the Francisco Blvd. West realignment and Phase-1 of the Multi-Use Path (from Rice Street to Andersen Drive). The Francisco Blvd West realignment is moving forward at a fast pace. The subcontractor, Ghilotti Brothers Construction, is not wasting any time with construction. The work includes environmental mitigation of...

8/24/18 – Paving at Francisco West and Andersen

Posted on August 24, 2018

In early August Public Works staff reported that a portion of Francisco Blvd. West and Andersen Drive was scheduled to be resurfaced starting on August 9, 2018. The approach included grinding the roadway on Friday night and performing the resurfacing on Monday night. SMART’s contractor was required to secure an encroachment permit from Caltrans the...

8/24/18 – San Rafael School District – Construction

Posted on August 24, 2018

City Staff from the Community Development Department and the Public Works Department met with representatives from the San Rafael City School District last week to discuss the construction work occurring on various school campuses. Glenwood Elementary School: The school district is started construction of a new gym and multi-purpose rooms on the campus. Construction started...

8/24/18 – Storm Drain Replacement at 5th Avenue and G Street

Posted on August 24, 2018

On Monday, August 20th, the City’s contractor, Ghilotti Bros, began construction at the intersection of 5th/G Street. The first order of work includes removing an old storm drain culvert dating back to 1928. The Contractor removed the pipe and installed a new storm drain pipe across the east leg of the intersection. Over the next...

8/24/18 – Uncontrolled Crosswalks Evaluation and Prioritization

Posted on August 24, 2018

Last year as part of a larger effort to improve pedestrian safety, the City developed an evaluation and prioritization process to score and rank uncontrolled pedestrian crossings. An uncontrolled pedestrian crossing is where the sidewalks or designated walkways intersect a roadway at a location where there is no traffic control (i.e. traffic signal, STOP sign). ...

8/24/18 – Repaving of Clayton Street

Posted on August 24, 2018

On August 16, 2018, the Ghilotti Bros. ground and paved (using 80 tons of hot mix asphalt) the end of Clayton Street which had deteriorated beyond a less intensive treatment. This is small piece of road heavily impacted the residents in the neighboring area. After voicing their opinions about the dilapidated asphalt, DPW was able...

8/10/18 – Fresh Wet Paint Update

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!

8/10/18 – 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...

8/10/18 – Smart Larkspur Extension Update

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...

8/10/18 – Drainage Channel Cleaning

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

8/10/18 – Essential Facilities – Fire Station #52 & #57 and Public Safety Center Update

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...

8/10/18 – 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...

8/2/18 – 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...

7/26/18 – 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...

7/26/18 – 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...

7/20/18 -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...

7/20/2018 – Weed and Vegetation Management Update

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...

7/20/2018 – SMART Update 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...

7/20/18 – 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...

7/20/18 – 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,...

7/18/18 – 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...

7/12/18 – 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;...

7/6/18 – 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...

7/6/18 – 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...

7/6/18 – Wet Paint Update

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...