Marin agency shifts funding to protect overcrossing project

The Transportation Authority of Marin has shuffled state funding to advance one project while another is postponed.

A $1.16 million award earmarked for the overhaul of Tamalpais Drive overcrossing in Corte Madera has been reallocated toward a utility relocation and road improvement project in Novato. The Corte Madera project has been delayed.

The funding comes from the state’s Local Partnership Program, which is fed with Senate Bill 1 gas tax revenue.

The Corte Madera project isn’t being shortchanged, however. The board action on Dec. 8 commits the Transportation Authority of Marin to designate the next round of program funding toward the overcrossing.

“Preserving these funds is significant because it maintains the project’s overall funding integrity and avoids a net loss of resources, which is critical to keeping the Tamalpais overcrossing financially viable and on track,” said Matt O’Donnell, a spokesperson for Caltrans. “Without this assurance, the project could have faced a meaningful funding shortfall and potential delays or scope reductions.”

In October, Caltrans postponed the overpass project because the relocation of a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. transmission line was more extensive than anticipated. PG&E said it could take about 18 months to complete.

David Chan, director of programming at the Transportation Authority of Marin, said the money was earmarked for the project back in 2023. The funding comes from the fifth cycle of Local Partnership Program allotments and has to be obligated by the end of fiscal year 2026-27.

Chan said construction on the overpass might not start until 2027 or even 2028, which would jeopardize the $1.16 million in state funds.

The project in Novato, on the other hand, could use the funding now, Chan said. The project is connected to the Marin-Sonoma Narrows widening on Highway 101 that was completed in November. It involves relocating overhead utility lines between Novato and the Sonoma County line as well as adding bike lanes to San Antonio Road.

O’Donnell said the project is estimated to cost more than $9 million. With the addition of the $1.16 million, the agency has secured $8.95 million.

“While construction is currently anticipated to begin in summer 2028, these funds would be used prior to that for right of way-related activities, including easement acquisition, utility coordination and utility relocations,” O’Donnell said.

Chan said the funding from the Local Partnership Program’s next cycle is expected to be an equivalent amount. It is scheduled to be made available in December 2026, “which should be in line with the construction schedule and allow Corte Madera to successfully obligate those funds,” Chan said.

The Tamalpais Drive overpass was built before the Americans with Disabilities Act, so its ramps are not compliant with the law and need to be replaced. The project entails removing the two spiral walkway ramps on the south side of the bridge.

Other upgrades include seismic retrofits to address earthquake safety concerns; traffic flow improvements at intersections; new lighting and landscaping; and a separate path for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project is funded by $40 million from Caltrans, $3 million from Corte Madera and the $1.1 million from the Local Partnership Program through the Transportation Authority of Marin.

Corte Madera staff supported TAM’s funding shift. Town Manager Adam Wolff said the other funding also will have to be reallocated at the state level.

Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan, chair of the Transportation Authority of Marin board, said it was the right move.

“Thank you, staff, for the quick thinking figuring out how we move things around make sure the funds get spent in a timely manner, and while still preserving the opportunity to fund the project that’s getting defunded for the short period of time,” Lucan said.

The funding cycle for the Local Partnership Program is about every two years. The Transportation Authority of Marin receives about $1.1 million when each cycle is authorized by the California Transportation Commission.

The program is intended to reward agencies that have passed voter-approved measures for transportation projects. TAM qualifies because of its Measure AA half-cent sales tax and the Measure B vehicle registration fee.