Roundabout project at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/US-101 interchange

Project Overview

Map of location of the roundabout project at the Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/US-101 interchange in San Rafael.

Caltrans started construction on the roundabout project at the Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/US-101 interchange in San Rafael in spring of 2025. The project went into winter suspension in October 2025 and is scheduled to resumed in 2026.

Caltrans relocated the bus stop at the northbound Freitas Parkway off-ramp to make it safer and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.

The project is expected to improve the intersection of Freitas Parkway, Civic Center Drive, and Old Redwood Highway due to the roundabout. This change is expected to improve traffic flow and make this busy intersection/off-ramp safer for vehicles and pedestrians.

The project was coordinated with Marin Transit and the City of San Rafael for bus stop relocation and improvements in the City’s Right of Way.

The project’s scope included the reconstruction of curb ramps and sidewalks; removing stairs and bus stop access across loop ramps; relocating the northbound bus stop to Redwood Highway; and constructing the roundabout at the Redwood Highway/Civic Center Drive intersection.

Project Schedule

Construction for the project is scheduled to conclude by the end of June 2026. Once construction is complete, the project will enter a one-year Plant Establishment Period, during which newly planted landscaping will be monitored and maintained to ensure it becomes fully established.

Stage 3 updates

Update on May 21: This week, the paving operation at Civic Center Drive and Redwood Highway was completed. This achievement represents a significant milestone for the project. Next week (after the Memorial Day holiday) crews will proceed with landscaping activities surrounding the roundabout. That includes installing the irrigation system and planting, performing electrical work, applying pavement striping on Civic Center Drive and Redwood Highway, and installing permanent signage.

Update on April 24: Crews worked on curb ramp installation and construction of the island splinter; building the truck apron around the roundabout; minor excavation and paving work and electrical work. The week of April 27, crews will be paving, and more electrical work will continue.

Caltrans crew working on the new roundabout project at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/US-101 interchange.

Caltrans using a smooth drum roller to compact new asphalt as part of the roundabout project at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/US-101 interchange.

New reconstruction of curb ramps and sidewalks as part of the roundabout project at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/US-101 interchange.

Simulated rendering of completed Roundabout project at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/US-101 interchange

Simulated rendering of completed Roundabout project at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/US-101 interchange.

Roundabouts

The modern roundabout is an intersection with a circular configuration that safely and efficiently moves traffic. Major roundabout projects are being built in other North Bay counties like Sonoma and Napa in recent years.

Roundabouts feature channelized, curved approaches that reduce vehicle speed, entry yield control that gives right-of way to circulating traffic, and counterclockwise flow around a central island that minimizes conflict points.

The net result of lower speeds and reduced conflicts at roundabouts is an environment where collisions that cause injury or fatality are substantially reduced.
– Courtesy of the Federal Highway Administration