Lucas Valley Road bridge project gets funding boost

Marin County supervisors approved a funding plan that includes $400,000 from a federal grant for design and engineering work on a San Rafael bridge project.

The project aims to replace the damaged bridge on Lucas Valley Road at Miller Creek. The 63-year-old bridge is near the intersection of Lucas Valley Road and Mount Lassen Drive.

“We are grateful to receive this federal grant to support the design work for replacing Miller Creek Bridge,” said Supervisor Mary Sackett, whose district includes the San Rafael area.

The supervisors cleared the funding plan at their meeting on Nov. 19. The project’s design and engineering budget was subsequently increased to $500,000.

The county staff proposed using a recently awarded Federal Highway Administration grant as well as $100,000 from the county’s Road and Bridge Fund for the bridge’s preliminary engineering and design.

The plans are to spend $450,000 for professional services and $50,000 for county staff time, according to a county staff report. Eighty percent of the project’s staff time and design costs would be reimbursed by the federal grant.

The project is in its initial study stage. After Caltrans staff finishes its review of the project, the county staff will seek consulting services to assist with the bridge’s preliminary design and environmental studies, said Hugh Davis, a civil engineer.

While the project undergoes its design phase, the county staff plan to seek more grant funding to assist with the bridge. The county estimates that the project could be finished in 2029, but the timeline could change after design details are determined.

Davis said the bridge’s foundations have been damaged by years of erosion in Miller Creek. The bridge previously underwent several repairs to extend its life.

“Although the county has taken measures to reduce this damage, it is anticipated that replacing the bridge will be the best way to ensure the roadway remains safe in the long term,” he said.

The new bridge will include modern features.

“This replacement also provides a chance to upgrade the bridge to handle current needs, such as upgrading railings to be more suitable for bicycle traffic,” he said.