California Construction News staff writer
The California Transportation Commission has approved more than $300 million in funding for projects aimed at reducing congestion and flooding along State Route 37 between Novato and Vallejo while supporting restoration of surrounding baylands.
Funding will allow Caltrans to advertise construction contracts this fall for the Novato Creek Bridge replacement and the first phase of the Sears Point-to-Mare Island Improvement Project.
The largest share of the funding — about $220 million in State Highway Operation and Protection Program and state General Fund money — will support replacement of the Novato Creek Bridge. Another $14.1 million was approved for related environmental and stormwater mitigation work.
The commission also approved $62.7 million through the State Transportation Improvement Program and Local Transportation Climate Adaptation Program, along with $32.3 million in SHOPP funding, for the first phase of the Sears Point-to-Mare Island project.
“The road is in dire need of improvements to reduce traffic congestion and to secure it against sea level rise,” Congressman Mike Thompson said in a social media statement. “I was proud to stand with local labor and elected officials to help secure federal funds for this project, and I am glad the California Transportation Commission also sees the critical need to support the project.”
The Novato Creek Bridge is located along one of the most flood-prone sections of the 21-mile Highway 37 corridor. The project will replace the existing bridge with a 26-foot-high span designed to accommodate projected sea-level rise through 2130.
Caltrans expects construction to begin in early 2027, with completion scheduled for 2030.
Meanwhile, the first phase of the Sears Point-to-Mare Island Improvement Project will upgrade the Sears Point interchange between highways 37 and 121 in Sonoma County and extend the eastbound Highway 37 merge lane by about one mile.
The project will also replace the existing 60-foot bridge over Tolay Creek with a higher, 375-foot-long span intended to improve tidal flow between San Pablo Bay and the historic Sonoma Baylands north of the highway.
