Marin Drivers Face Temporary San Rafael Off-Ramp Closure for Roundabout Prep
Prepare for some temporary overnight disruptions if you’re a commuter navigating the northbound US-101 in Marin County, especially near San Rafael. Caltrans is rolling up their sleeves for construction on the Manuel T. Freitas Parkway off-ramp.
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This work, while a headache for a few nights, aims to boost traffic flow and safety for all of us in Marin. There’s a new roundabout coming soon, and honestly, it’s about time our local infrastructure got this upgrade.
Preparing for a Smoother Ride in San Rafael
Starting Monday, June 2nd, through Friday, June 5th, the northbound US-101 off-ramp to Manuel T. Freitas Parkway in San Rafael will shut down each night. Closures run from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Why the odd hours? Caltrans needs the time to build a new traffic island, grind and pave the east side of the parkway, and move a temporary barrier. It’s all part of prepping for a bigger project that’s been in the works for a while.
This closure is a main piece of Stage 4 construction. The goal? Open a new roundabout at the intersection of Redwood Highway and Civic Center Drive.
If all goes as planned, the roundabout should open Monday, June 8th. That intersection gets pretty busy, so this should help—eventually.
Heads up: drivers wanting to turn left from the west to the east side of Freitas Parkway, toward the new roundabout, will hit a temporary closure. They expect to reopen that route by mid-June.
Detour and Wider Roundabout Initiative
If you usually take the Freitas Parkway off-ramp, you’ll need to follow Caltrans’ detour during these overnight closures. Northbound US-101 drivers should use the Lucas Valley Road off-ramp instead.
From there, head west on Lucas Valley Road, then hop back on southbound US-101 using the on-ramp. Finally, take the southbound US-101 off-ramp to Freitas Parkway. It’s a bit of a loop, but it gets you around the construction without too much hassle.
Stage 3 work is still in progress, by the way. Crews are busy on the east side of the roundabout, building a new bus stop, and putting in a northbound slip on-ramp.
The Safety Benefits of Roundabouts
Caltrans really pushes for modern roundabouts, and honestly, it makes sense. These intersections slow drivers down as they enter and move through, which means fewer chances for crashes.
Lower speeds and fewer conflict points mean fewer injuries and fatal collisions. It’s a big win for Marin’s busy neighborhoods, from Larkspur to Mill Valley and everywhere in between.
Roundabouts are popping up all over the region. Sonoma and Napa counties are on board too, moving toward safer, more efficient roads. Just remember, all this work depends on the weather, so it’s smart to check for updates before you head out.
Staying Informed on Marin’s Roadways
Highway construction in Marin can change quickly, and schedules don’t always stick. If you want the latest updates on this project or other road conditions, Caltrans has a few resources worth checking out.
You can hop on 511.org for broad traffic and transit details. For something more immediate, Caltrans offers their QuickMap—it’s pretty handy for real-time info.
Following Caltrans District 4 on social media channels can also help you catch news as it happens. Need a statewide highway update? Just call 1-800-427-ROAD (1-800-472-7623).
With a little effort, you can plan your drives around Tiburon, Sausalito, or wherever you’re headed, and hopefully avoid any surprises.
Here is the source article for this story: Northbound Off-ramp Closure Scheduled for Freitas Parkway as Part of Roundabout Project in City of San Rafael
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