Marin Sonoma Narrows Project Open House

The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will jointly host an informational open house regarding the Marin Sonoma Narrows (MSN) HOV Widening Project in Marin and Sonoma County. This 17 mile (primarily) freeway widening project will also include a Class I (totally separated) and Class II (bike lanes) pathway included as part of the project. MCBC has been involved with this project from the very start. You are encouraged to come out to the meeting to see the current plans, ask questions, and provide feedback.

The project limits are on Highway 101 from Route 37 in Novato to just north of the Corona Road Overcrossing in Petaluma, a distance of approximately 16 miles. The project has been divided into three segments, A, B and C. Segments A and C consist of the existing freeways in Novato and Petaluma, respectively. Segment B is the existing expressway between the two cities, locally referred to as the "narrows". Work in segments A and C will consist of widening the highway to provide HOV lanes, primarily in the median, ramp improvements and soundwalls. Segment B will upgrade the existing expressway to a freeway by closing existing driveway access, providing frontage roads and upgrading the interchanges at the Redwood Landfill and Petaluma Boulevard South. A portion of the highway will be relocated to the west near San Antonio Creek to eliminate flooding issues. Segment B also includes the replacement of the Petaluma River Bridge. A Class I and II bicycle path will also be provided throughout the project limits.

The project benefits include reducing congestion and improving mobility while providing an incentive for commuters to carpool, vanpool or ride buses during peak commute hours. It will also improve freeway operations including providing safe access to the facility through Segment B.

The purpose of the open house is to inform the community about the main elements of the project, design refinements that have been made since the approval of the environmental document, and the construction schedule. Project information will be on display and staff will be available to answer questions.