Marin County Offramp That Causes Backups On U.S. 101 Widened

SAN RAFAEL, CA — The frequently congested off-ramp from U.S. Highway 101 in San Rafael was widened Wednesday, aiming to enhance the flow of cars exiting the highway and entering the busy Canal neighborhood.

The new lane on the northbound U.S. 101 offramp to Bellam Boulevard is now open for vehicles turning right onto Bellam. The County of Marin Department of Public Works completed the widening project on Wednesday morning.

Construction will continue, including the crosswalk across Bellam Boulevard at the offramp, which stays closed until completion, and the connection to the adjacent intersection at the northbound onramp. The project is expected to be fully completed within the next few months, weather permitting.

"Opening the new lane for the Bellam Boulevard offramp is a major milestone that will provide congestion relief and safety improvements to the corridor," said Anne Richman, TAM Executive Director. "By reducing queuing on northbound U.S. 101 and improving turning movements, this project will provide lasting benefits for Marin County. We’re grateful to Caltrans, the City of San Rafael, and the County of Marin for their partnership in advancing this complex project, to the public for their patience and to Marin voters for their support of the local transportation sales tax."

The new lane may alter traffic patterns on Bellam Boulevard and at nearby intersections. The County's construction team is monitoring conditions and collaborating with Caltrans and San Rafael to address impacts and make necessary adjustments.

This project was sponsored by the Transportation Authority of Marin with funding from the countywide voter-approved half-cent transportation sales tax. County Public Works provided construction management.