Key Storm Repairs Begin This Week Along Bolinas Road

SAM RAFAEL, CA — A project to repair storm damage along Bolinas Road enters its construction phase this week, aiming to fully restore the primary route between Ross Valley and West Marin.

According to Marin County, powerful January storms caused earth to slide out from beneath the road just east of the Sky Oaks Road intersection, creating an immediate safety hazard and requiring the eastbound lane to close. That lane has remained closed in the months since, with traffic controls alternating vehicles through the westbound lane.

Even as repairs begin in earnest this week, the Department of Public Works expects it will take crews until early November to finish the project.

The slate of repairs includes constructing a 230-foot retaining wall, adding new guardrails and slightly widening the road and shoulder at milepost 1.34. The $2.39 million price tag will be covered with funds from a federal emergency grant.

Crews will generally work on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the possibility of some weekend work as needed. Fortunately, the county expects most of the construction phase will be completed using the same lane closure that has been in place for months, allowing traffic to take turns using the westbound lanes.

When certain work requires full lane closures, the county will notify residents in advance and share closure information on social media and the project webpage.

During road closures, the county's recommended detour is along Shoreline Highway.

"DPW recognizes that this is an inconvenience to residents on Bolinas Road and the other travelers that use the road," officials wrote Monday. "DPW would like to thank residents and travelers in the area for their patience and understanding while this important repair project is conducted."