Miracle Mile intersection safety is key
The streets of San Rafael's West End are busy, carrying both local and regional traffic.
These city streets are among Marin's busiest regional arterials, serving those who are heading to San Rafael destinations or bound to get to Highway 101. The corridor carries nearly 20,000 vehicles to Highway 101 every day, according to city counts.
For many, it is a gateway to and from West Marin.
That's why this intersection of Second and Fourth streets is an appropriate target for a $3 million grant for safety improvements.
The city wants to make improvements in the area where eastbound traffic on the Miracle Mile reaches the intersection through which vehicles can bear left to cross Third Street and turn onto Fourth and proceed along Second.
The intersection is controlled by five traffic signal phases.
“The main routes are also at a skewed angle which creates confusion for bicycles, pedestrians and motorists through the intersection,” states the city's staff report on the project.
The unusual angled design of the intersection makes it confusing for pedestrians and bicyclists, according to the city.
The city's plan is to redesign the intersection to address that confusion and to make it safer for motorists, pedestrians and bike riders. The design will bring the intersection up to modern standards and address changes in the varied modes of transportation it gets.
City officials want to upgrade the signals and improve the sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. That includes bringing the design up to current safety standards, including current Americans with Disabilities Act rules.
It's all part of a redesign of the intersection to reduce confusion and to shorten crossings and signalized wait times.
The city also plans to create a separated bikeway between West Street and West End Avenue and connect to the Greenfield Avenue bike improvements. The stretch is an important link in the longplanned Cross Marin bike
City officials want to upgrade the signals and improve the sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. That includes bringing the design up to current safety standards, including current Americans with Disabilities Act rules.
route.
The work is considered “the final step” in the improvements that have been under construction along Third Street. In addition, the West End project is listed as a top priority in the city's bike and pedestrian master plan.
According to the city's website, the project will also include drainage work, undergrounding of electrical services and signalization of the intersection of West Crescent Drive and Fourth.
The city will continue its public outreach on the design this month before the plan goes to the city bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee for its review. City council approval is scheduled for this summer, with construction slated for 2024.
The $3 million grant comes from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's $302 million One Bay Area grant program that is funding projects and programs across the region.
This is the type of project that should qualify for funding. It is not only important to San Rafael residents, but addresses the needs of those from other parts of the county who cross through the intersection to get where they need to go.
Making it safer, whether they are behind the wheel of a car, pedaling a bike or trying to cross the busy streets, serves many.