The California Transportation Commission recently allocated $155 million in federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to the $180 million State Route 37 (SR-37) project.
The project will raise the roadway 30 feet over Novato Creek by 2029 to avoid future flooding. It also will add enhanced bicycle and pedestrian access.
“This is a critical Bay Area transportation corridor, and current projections are that it will be underwater as soon as 2050 unless we act,” Tony Tavares, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) director, said. “State and federal investments are coming at a critical time for California as we design climate-resilient projects like this to protect residents from flooding and the impacts of extreme weather events.”
The route connects Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties and enhances habitat connectivity for San Pablo Bay.
“This is an important step toward maintaining the viability of Highway 37 in the face of increasing traffic congestion and the effects of climate change,” said state Sen. Bill Dodd, whose district includes the eastern portion of the highway.
Earlier this year state and local agencies formed a partnership agreement regarding near-term improvements to SR-37 while re-establishing habitat connectivity across San Pablo Bay long-term.
Caltrans released the project’s Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment on Friday. It will hold a public meeting in late September. The 45-day public comment period will end on Oct. 7.
California has received more than $22 billion in federal infrastructure funding since November 2021.