Manuel T. Freitas Parkway / Civic Center Drive

The interchange at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/Civic Center Drive is in the city of San Rafael. Drivers use it to get to shopping centers, the Terra Linda community and nearby office space. TAM’s study found several features at the interchange that could be improved, including the short acceleration and merge lengths for the on-ramps, lane and shoulder widths that do not meet the current standard, and pedestrian pathways that do not meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. These and other limitations are described in the Existing Conditions, Constraints, and Opportunities Report below.

Interchange Improvements

TAM proposes several improvements for the interchange to make it easier and safer to access Highway 101 and improve the flow of traffic. Proposed projects include restriping and widening the freeway. To gain an important understanding of the interchange area, the study examined the following:

  • Existing Infrastructure
  • Transit Routes and Intermodal Connectivity
  • Weekday AM & PM Peak Period Congestion
  • Crash Type and Severity
  • Environmental Constraints

 

Many of the study’s recommended changes will make the interchange easier to use for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and people using public transit. The proposals will also increase safety at the interchanges and on surrounding streets and pathways, allowing for smoother travel to, from, and across Highway 101 and local roads.

The near-term concept focuses on improving safety and traffic conditions on local streets and carries out a Caltrans project which proposes adding a roundabout at Civic Center Drive. The sidewalk on the north side of the Manuel T. Freitas Parkway overcrossing will be upgraded to a multi-use pathway. High-visibility crosswalks will also be added at Northgate Drive and Del Presidio Boulevard along Manuel T. Freitas.

The long-term concept expands on the near-term improvements and adds proposals to construct two two-lane roundabouts at the intersections of Northgate Drive and Del Presidio Boulevard along Manuel T. Freitas Parkway. Multi-use paths will also be provided in both directions between the two new roundabouts.

Public and Agency Input

Between March and April 2021, TAM surveyed residents of Marin County to collect input about the 12 selected interchanges. More than 2,750 people responded to the survey. The survey was launched to gather the public’s thoughts and priorities on improvements to the interchange. TAM has incorporated the feedback we received to ensure the project reflects community values and preferences.

In the survey, 171 people commented on Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/Civic Center Drive. Residents rated the level of importance for eight potential improvements on a 5-point scale ranging from not important to most important. The interchange report includes a summary of the survey results and comments received.

Most respondents said making it easier to drive to and from this interchange is the most important improvement to this interchange.

Make it easier to drive to and from this interchange

0 %
Low
Importance
0 %
No
Opinion
0 %
High
Importance

Reduce traffic congestion

0 %
Low
Importance
0 %
No
Opinion
0 %
High
Importance

Make it safer to walk around this interchange

0 %
Low
Importance
0 %
No
Opinion
0 %
High
Importance

Make it safer to bike around this interchange

0 %
Low
Importance
0 %
No
Opinion
0 %
High
Importance

Improve lighting and security

0 %
Low
Importance
0 %
No
Opinion
0 %
High
Importance

Improve the quality and access to bus stops near this interchange

0 %
Low
Importance
0 %
No
Opinion
0 %
High
Importance

Improve environmental sustainability and resiliency

0 %
Low
Importance
0 %
No
Opinion
0 %
High
Importance

Increase Park and Ride capacity

0 %
Low
Importance
0 %
No
Opinion
0 %
High
Importance

There is a LOT of roadway in this intersection. Walking across the street is difficult to make it across in the time given, especially if you don't walk fast. Cars drive very fast. It seems like a great place for a different kind of interchange like a rotary.

Comments regarding this interchange?
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