Scoping comments on the US 101/I-580 Multi-Modal and Local Access Improvement Project

November 19, 2024

Anne Richman, Executive Director
Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM)
900 Fifth Ave #100
San Rafael, CA 94901 

Re: Scoping comments on the US 101/I-580 Multi-Modal and Local Access Improvement Project 

Dear Ms. Richman, 

This letter is to provide my comments for your consideration on the US 101/I-580 Multimodal and Local Access Improvement Project and proposed alternatives. Foremost, I am appreciative of the important work TAM and other agencies are doing to advance improvements to this transportation corridor, and ensuring that it continues to remain high among regional transportation priorities. This connection not only intersects with one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the North Bay, but also carries commuters and visitors through an important commercial and economic hub in Marin. It is vital that we continue to work towards improving multi-modal access, reducing congestion, and improving safety along the corridor. 

I recognize there are significant financial resources required with large infrastructure improvements on the corridor – as shown in the viable project alternatives that TAM has identified. It is important to balance the need for these significant long-term improvements with the urgency to improve conditions in the near-term. Understanding this balance, I support Alternative 1 provided by TAM, as it represents the most cost-effective solution that achieves the project’s primary goals to provide much-needed multi-modal and traffic improvements to Bellam Blvd while also reducing traffic delays for those traveling from NB 101 to EB I-580. With a total cost of $20-50M, Alternative 1 would provide meaningful improvements to commuters and the Canal and Bret Harte communities in an achievable time frame. 

Finally, this transportation corridor is especially vulnerable to Sea Level Rise, and I want to emphasize the importance of factoring anticipated sea level rise projections and increased flooding risk into modeling. The 101-I-580 corridor represents some of Marin’s most vulnerable transportation infrastructure to sea level rise and major flooding events – and planning efforts should center long-term climate resiliency. 

I appreciate your consideration of my comments, and your continued prioritization of this project. It is of critical importance to not only District 4 residents who live adjacent to the transportation corridor – but to the entire County transportation network. While Alternative 1 provides meaningful, short-term and achievable progress along this corridor – I also support a larger, longer-term project if it provides significant improvements to congestion. 

Sincerely, 

Dennis Rodoni
Marin County Supervisor District 4