Bridge Design To Change The Scene At Larkspur Landing

Like it or hate it, there will be a new pedestrian bridge over Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.

The Larkspur City Council at its last meeting approved the Warren Truss design for the pedestrian bridge that will connect the CalPark Tunnel path to the opposite side of Drake, near an existing bike and pedestrian path. The design was put forth by the Transportation Authority of Marin after it emerged as the popular choice during an open house meeting in Larkspur last year.

"Our schedule is to put the contract out for bid in January 2013 with construction beginning in May," project engineer Bill Whitney said. "The biggest factor that drives the actual schedule is the presence or lack thereof a nesting clapper rail.  Corte Madera creek is habitat for the endangered clapper rail. If the bird is found to be nesting then we cannot start until September 1st."

One reason for the Warren Truss design's popularity is the fact that it can be assembled offsite and then installed quickly, reducing any extra delays in traffic. City Manager Dan Schwarz has also requested that the design not include a support in the median, keeping the view clear for drivers on East Sir Francis Drake.

Not everyone is so excited by the Warren Truss design. Larkspur Mayor Len Rifkind tried to sway the City Council to vote for a cable stay design that more closely resembles the Golden Gate Bridge.

"This is the entrance to Larkspur for a lot of people. This is their first impression. This bridge will be there for 75-100 years," Mayor Rifkind said.

Larkspur Public Works Director Hamid Shamsapour said, "Personally, I want something grand and beautiful like the cable stay. Everything else taken into account, it looks like the Warren Truss is the right one."

The Warren Truss design emulates the look of the Golden Gate Ferry Terminal, a fact that a lot of people seemed to like. Rifkind admitted he's not a fan of the terminal's look. The cable stay design, however, would likely have cost an extra $400,000.

That might not seem like a significant amount for a project that is expected to cost $14 million. Councilman Larry Chu said it is significant "in terms of local projects" that might need that extra $400,000.

Whitney says the cost of the project will be divided among several agencies by TAM.

"TAM has asked the County of Marin and the City of Larkspur to consider operating and maintaining the multi-use path. No decisions have been made," Whitney said. "TAM is working on a funding plan that would utilize Measure A interest funds, Measure B funds and contributions from participating agencies who will benefit from the project."

The Marin County Bicycle Coalition has supported the bridge project, which is expected to take more bikes off Larkspur Landing Circle and create a safer link to the CalPark Tunnel. TAM is also looking at other measures to help cyclists safely get from CalPark Tunnel to the Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal. Some cyclists cut through Marin Country Mart and use the conection to the terminal that now bridges East Sir Francis Drake. Others choose to battle it out with cars on surface streets.