Marin bike, pedestrian trail receives $10.6 million in funding

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission has awarded $10.6 million to the Transportation Authority of Marin for work on the northern segment of the North-South Greenway Project bicycle and pedestrian pathway.

The first phase of the northern segment work will cross Corte Madera Creek next to U.S. Highway 101. The second phase will extend the path along Old Redwood Highway in Larkspur.

The $10.6 million is from Regional Measure 2, which was approved by voters in 2004. The measure increased tolls on state bridges by $1 to finance transportation projects. A total of $19 million will go toward the Greenway project.

A $10 bike and pedestrian bridge over Sir Francis Drake Boulevard that is part of the North-South Greenway Project opened in 2016. The Cal Park Tunnel, also part of the Greenway project, was financed with $25 million in Regional Measure 2 toll dollars and opened in 2010.

Marin County Supervisor Damon Connolly said the funding for the northern segment will make the route safer for all users and improve access to Golden Gate ferries at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

“It will do the same for Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit when the Larkspur train connection is completed next year,” Connolly said.

Marin County Bicycle Coalition executive director Jim Elias said the North-South Greenway is the primary active transportation artery through Marin and Sonoma counties, Elias said.

The North-South Greenway project connects communities along the Highway 101 corridor.