Body of News Release
Marin County, CA — The Marin County Department of Public Works is moving forward with an ambitious set of roadway improvements across unincorporated Marin for the 2026 construction season, building on strong performance from prior years. Work is progressing ahead of schedule, with roughly 150 segments covering approximately 57 miles slated for sealing and paving, a 50% increase over last year.
The 2026 season marks the second year of the County’s Five-Year Pavement Management Plan (2025–2029), adopted in September 2024. Competitive bid pricing, an increase of available funds, and efficient project delivery in 2025 allowed the County to complete segments originally scheduled for later years, enabling an expanded scope in 2026. The plan is now being updated to reflect this progress and extend the work planned for future seasons.
Roadway improvements are guided by the County's pavement management strategy, which uses the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), a 0-to-100 scale to track pavement health, prioritize repairs, and apply cost-effective treatments that extend roadway life. Over the past four construction seasons, the County has increased its PCI from 66 to approximately 70, upgrading the overall pavement network from “fair” to “good” condition.
Through a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Pavement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), a systemwide pavement condition reassessment is currently underway in 2026. Results will inform updates to the five-year pavement management plan, which will be published later this year.
The expanded pavement work planned for 2026 reflects the continued commitment of the Board of Supervisors and County staff to prioritize roadway maintenance and investment in pavement preservation. The program is primarily supported by local, regional, and state funding sources, which have remained stable and provide a reliable foundation for delivery. While federal funding opportunities for transportation projects have become more constrained and competitive in recent years, they do not materially impact the County’s 2026 pavement improvement program. Two federally funded paving projects are in the environmental phase, with construction anticipated in 2028.
Pavement preservation work this season will begin with the $2 million road sealant project, which will improve approximately 16.5 miles of roadway throughout the County including the communities of Marinwood, Kentfield, San Quentin, Marin City, California Park, and along Fairfax–Bolinas Road within the Tamalpais Watershed. Key corridors to receive surface treatments include Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Donahue Street, and College Avenue.
The road sealant project uses cost-effective pavement preservation treatments such as slurry seal, microsurfacing, and rubberized cape seal to extend the life of existing roads. The traveling public should expect lane closures and brief traffic holds of up to five minutes during construction. Work is anticipated to begin in early June.
“We’re starting to see real results from our pavement management program,” said Christopher Blunk, Director of Public Works. “Our team has been working hard to deliver more projects, more efficiently, and we’re proud to see the improvements taking shape across the County’s road network. That progress reflects a consistent, long-term approach to pavement management grounded in careful prioritization and strategic timing of treatments. It’s also supported by stable funding, increased staff and strong coordination with utility providers and our partner agencies to minimize conflicts and keep projects moving.”
An interactive map showing roadway segments under consideration for treatment in upcoming construction seasons through 2029 is available on the County's website. Project selections are subject to change.