Sir Francis Drake Boulevard / Fifer Avenue / Industrial Way

The interchange at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard/Fifer Avenue/Industrial Way is in the city of Larkspur. Drivers use this interchange to get to several areas, including shopping centers, office parks, the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, Ross Valley, and Corte Madera Creek. TAM’s study found several features at the interchange that could be improved, including short merge lengths for on-ramps, short sight distances for on- and off-ramps, and curb ramps 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 improve the flow of traffic and make it easier for all users to get to and through this interchange. Proposals range from adding new bus stops, to moving off-ramps, widening the freeway, and building new overcrossings. 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 transit options. Four new bus stops will be added under the plan, one at each of the on- and off-ramps. A new sidewalk is also proposed on the north side of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard (SFDB) between the US 101 northbound on-ramp and the southbound off-ramp.

The long-term concept focuses on improvements to US 101 between SFDB to the Tamalpais interchange, as well as improving access to the highway. The southbound on-ramp will be widened to two lanes, adding a connector ramp at Wornum Drive. US 101 will also be widened and a new overcrossing will be built at Wornum. Ramp slopes will also be upgraded to meet ADA standards.

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, 616 people commented on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard/Fifer Avenue/Industrial Way. 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 reducing traffic congestion in the area is the most important improvement to this interchange.

Reduce traffic congestion

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

Make it easier to drive to and from this interchange

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

Improve environmental sustainability and resiliency

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

Make it safer to bike around this interchange

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

Make it safer to walk around this interchange

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

Improve lighting and security

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

Improve the quality and access to bus stops near this interchange

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

Increase Park and Ride capacity

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

" Sir Francis Drake needs to have more capacity for cars exiting the freeway. The exit ramp narrows down to a single lane and has little to no capacity for the number of cars exiting. School days are the worst. "

Comments regarding this interchange?
Your remarks will be noted and saved for possible future phases of improvement.