Central Marin Ferry Connection Project
The Central Marin Ferry Connection Project (CMFCP) was first identified in the 2001 Marin 
County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as one of the top 25 most important projects inMarin County. It is important because it is at the crossroads of almost all trips between central and southern Marin County. The CMFCP will provide a much-needed safe bike/ped crossing of East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Corte Madera Creek, as well as provide a connection to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal via East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
In 2001, the MCBC collaborated with the City of Larkspur to apply for Bay Trail planning funds to complete an alternatives analysis for safe non-motorized access in this area. From 2002 until April 2004, the following agencies participated in a process which resulted in the selection of a project alternative (1B: a new high-level bridge with an off-ramp to SFDB): City of Larkspur, Town of Corte Madera, Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, County of Marin, Caltrans, BCDC, and the Marin County Bicycle Coalition. The now fully-funded project was funded primarily with Regional Measure 2 and Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) funds.
Phase I of the CMFCP project will result in a new bicycle/pedestrian overpass which will cross over East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near the former train trestle adjacent to the Larkspur Ferry terminal. This project will close a significant gap in the North-South Greenway, allowing for safe and easy access to the Larkspur Ferry from the North and to the Cal Park Pathway and Tunnel from the South and West. Currently many cyclists navigate dangerous traffic conditions in the vicinity; this project will eliminate many of these dangers for cyclist and pedestrians.
In November of 2011, the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) held an Open House to present 4 design concepts for the bridge structure for public input and comment. TAM will be selecting the option that is best suited, based on public input, cost and other factors. Phase I of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
Phase II of the Central Marin Ferry Connection Project will provide a crossing over Corte Madera Creek which will be attached the existing freeway overcrossing structure; it will be built as part of the Greenbrae/Twin Cities Corridor Improvement Project, but will not be built until after the first phase is completed over East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
The CMFCP is a major priority project for MCBC and a key feature in Marin’s bicycle/pedestrian network. MCBC is excited by the significant progress being made on this project and commends TAM staff and the TAM Board for its leadership in bringing this project toward completion.
Resources & Archives:
Central Marin Ferry Connection Project final report
View the final report, covering Needs Analysis, Project Alternatives, and Design and Implementation, by Alta Planning + Design, in PDF format (7.51 MB)
Central Marin Ferry Project Moves Forward
On Wednesday, April 21, 2004, the Larkspur City Council accepted a final report regarding the preferred alternative alignment for the Central Marin Ferry Connection Project (a key section of the North-South Greenway).
Historic Trestle Comes Down, but Another Crossing is Being Planned Now
Learn more about the history of the MCBC's position on the trestle, current plans to design a new structure, and funding for the new structure
Bay Trail Project Grants $60,000 to Larkspur
The San Francisco Bay Trail Project recently awarded $60,000 to the City of Larkspur to conduct a feasibility study and alternatives analysis for a bicycle and pedestrian pathway....