Maria Drive Improvements Project
Project Description
Maria Drive is a key connector serving schools, parks, residences, shopping and transit. The City of Petaluma is currently improving this important roadway via pavement rehabilitation.
Pavement rehabilitation projects such as this present a great opportunity to create streets that are safer and more accessible for all users. Improvements will be made on Maria Drive from Rainier Avenue to South McDowell Boulevard.
Improvements to Maria will include:
- A safer, smoother roadway surface
- Improved traffic flow and safety
- Elements designed to reduce traffic speed
- Safer, ADA-compliant sidewalks, curbs, & pedestrian crossings
- Upgraded bike lanes
- Better access to transit
- Installation of a recycled water pipeline
For a more detailed description of the project elements, please see the Project Details section below.
Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed by fall 2024. We will notify the neighborhood, and those who have signed up to receive project updates via the form on this webpage, of construction schedules and potential impacts.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
The project is nearly complete! This update outlines our progress and upcoming work as of August 6, 2024:
Section 1: Rainer Street to East Washington - We are on schedule to complete the new road surface in this section by August 9th. Please note that some minor construction activities will continue through August in this area.
Section 2: East Washington to South McDowell Boulevard - In this area, we are currently:
- Finalizing the installation of the recycled water line
- Preparing to remove the existing pavement
- Planning to treat the subgrade and apply new paving throughout August
Traffic Impacts: Please be advised that periodic road closures and night work will be necessary to facilitate work in Section 2 (East Washington to South McDowell Boulevard). Alternative detours will be available at all times for this section to minimize inconvenience to residents and commuters. We anticipate minimal disruption to traffic in Section 1.
We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work to enhance our city's roadways. These improvements will contribute to safer, more efficient transportation for all Petaluma residents.
For further information or concerns, please contact the Public Works Department:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (707) 778-4546
Community Engagement
PRESENTATIONS TO CITY COMMITTEES & COUNCIL (NOVEMBER 2023)
City staff presented a brief project overview to and sought feedback from City Council at its November 6, 2023 regular meeting, as well as a joint meeting of the Pedestrian & Bicycle and Tree Advisory Committees on November 1, 2023.
Meeting Materials:
- Presentation to City Council
- City Council Meeting Recording
- Presentation to Pedestrian & Bicycle and Tree Advisory Committees
- Pedestrian & Bicycle and Tree Advisory Committees Meeting Recording
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1 (TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022)
The City hosted a virtual community workshop on Tuesday, November 15 to:
- Introduce the project
- Summarize existing conditions and feedback received to date
- Explore design ideas
- Hear your feedback, ideas, and questions
CLICK HERE to view the presentation slides. Unfortunately, due to a technical issue, the meeting was not recorded.
PROJECT DETAILS
Please read below for more detailed descriptions of the planned improvements to Maria Drive. If you have questions or concerns, please contact project manager, Paul Geoghegan: [email protected]
- Construction of a safer, smoother roadway surface using a more environmentally
friendly asphalt recycling technique (recently used on the North McDowell
Improvement Project) - Roadway striping or signage elements that will help calm traffic and create safe
conditions for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists - Installation of over 40 ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant curb ramps with lighted pedestrian crossings, particularly at schools
- Parking prohibition near intersections and crosswalks to improve safety by increasing sight distance
- Installation of a recycled water pipeline that will enable surrounding schools and parks to irrigate using recycled water
The recycled water pipeline portion of the project is part of our Recycled Water Expansion Program, which helps build the City’s water resiliency, providing added assurance that we have access to water. This is especially helpful in times of emergency like drought, earthquake, and fires.
Timeline
- Winter 2022-23: Design
- Spring 2023: Community Workshop #2 - Review Design & Construction Schedule/Impacts
- Summer 2024: Construction
Funding
Pavement rehabilitation projects are funded through a combination of Street Maintenance Funds, Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Account, Measure U Sales Tax bonds, and a grant from the Department of Water Resources SGMA Implementation Grant Program.
BID Details
N/A
Project Location
Maria Drive from Rainier Avenue to South McDowell Boulevard