By Adrian Rodriguez, Marin Independent Journal, May 7, 2021
“An estimated $13.9 million plan to overhaul Second and Third streets in downtown San Rafael has won the City Council’s approval.
“Repaving the road, replacing and adding new traffic signals, and extending sidewalks near intersections to improve safety for pedestrians are part of the plan. The project also will build a two-way bike lane separated from the road by a barrier …
“Residents voiced concerns about the loss of mature trees, including a 40-foot London plane tree in the median …
“Bill Guerin, director of public works, said the project requires that the lanes shift north. If the road is designed to spare the tree, the city would lose five parking spaces that were promised to the residents who have a lack of street parking in the neighborhood.
“Regarding the bicycle lane, staffers said they are considering different options for barriers, including a concrete curb, an asphalt berm, or bollard markers. The choice would be determined by what is affordable, staff said.
“ ‘Corridor projects require a major investment that is often a stretch for local jurisdictions,’ [Anne Richman, executive director of Transportation Authority of Marin] said. ‘Support from these targeted, voter-approved funds helps give a boost, in this case, nearly a $13 million boost.’ ”
Read the full article here. (~3 min.)