Roundabout project at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/US-101 interchange
Project Overview
Caltrans started construction on a 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 resume in 2026.
Caltrans is working to relocate the bus stop at the northbound Freitas Parkway off-ramp to make it safer and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.
As a part of the project, Caltrans is proposing to improve the intersection of Freitas Parkway, Civic Center Drive, and Old Redwood Highway by installing a roundabout. This change will improve traffic flow and make this busy intersection/off-ramp safer for vehicles and pedestrians.
The project is being coordinated with Golden Gate Transit (GGT) and the City of San Rafael for bus stop relocation/ improvements in the City’s Right of Way.
The project’s scope includes the reconstruction of curb ramps and sidewalks; removes stairs and bus stop access across loop ramps; relocates northbound bus stop to Redwood Highway; and constructs a roundabout at the Redwood Highway/Civic Center Drive intersection.
Project Schedule
The project is scheduled to conclude in the summer/fall of 2026.
The project will be worked on in seven stages.
STAGE 3
- Stage 3 construction is anticipated to be completed in early June. Upon completion of this phase, the area will be opened to traffic, utilizing temporary traffic control signs and temporary striping.
STAGE 4
- Stage 4 is slated to commence in early May and will encompass roadway excavation, drainage installation, landscaping, and electrical work. The targeted completion for Stage 4 is the end of June, marking significant progress toward overall project goals.
STAGE 6
- Stage 6 is scheduled to begin in early June, including activities such as roadway excavation, paving, and landscaping. This phase is expected to conclude within the first week of June.
STAGE 7
- Stage 7 will initiate during the second week of June. Work will involve cold plane asphalt and paving, permanent striping installation, and placement of permanent signage. The anticipated completion is set for the end of June, after which any outstanding punch list items will be addressed to finalize the project.
In 2026, full Stage 3 construction is scheduled along with minor work in stages 4 and 5 along with final striping.
The project was originally scheduled to finish in 2025. However, a utility conflict is the primary factor contributing to delays in the timeline. Additionally, stakeholder requests for modifications during construction stages have also impacted the construction schedule.
Stage 3 updates
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.
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
Traffic Advisories
February 18, 2026
Project Contact
Matt O’Donnell
Marin County Public Information Officer
Email: matt.odonnell@dot.ca.gov