The County of Marin Department of Public Works is pleased to announce the reopening of a closed lane on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard just west of Platform Bridge Road, midway up the hill near Olema. This major corridor to West Marin was opened Thursday to both lanes of traffic.
One lane of the road had been closed for more than two years because of slide damage during a major storm in March 2011. The repair consisted of a 212-foot-long concrete retaining wall. On Friday, crews were to add striping to the pavement, gravel to the shoulders and install reflective markers.
The County secured Federal Emergency Relief funds for the repairs. Construction was delayed because of the extensive environmental review required under that federal program. It included biological studies, historical and archeological studies, and construction timing limitations to avoid the nesting season of northern spotted owls near the project.
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“We have shared in the public’s frustration with the long-standing lane closure and express our sincere thanks for the epic patience people have shown,” said County Public Works Director Bob Beaumont.
The project was completed on time and on budget. In June, Public Works announced that Engineered Soil Repairs of Walnut Creek was awarded a $340,692 contract for the job and it was expected to be completed before Labor Day weekend.
