June 2025 Update: PG&E has begun work on their utility undergrounding project along Novato Boulevard. This work includes installing new poles to connect underground utilities to existing overhead lines. Please expect traffic delays, drive with caution and use alternate routes when possible. This work is a crucial step toward advancing the Novato Boulevard Improvements – Diablo to Grant project.

Questions? Contact PG&E Outreach Specialist John Baston at (707) 867-9466.

Project Overview

Novato Boulevard Improvements - Diablo to Grant (CIP 01-004)

Description

On June 12, 2018, Novato City Council approved a new 3-lane layout for the Novato Blvd. Improvements Project (CIP #01-004) between Diablo Ave. and Grant Ave. The conceptual design includes sidewalk and bicycle lanes in both directions, utility undergrounding, new traffic signals at Diablo Ave, Seventh St., and Grant Ave. among other improvements. The smaller project “footprint” should impact private properties, trees and creeks, but still improves traffic flow through the corridor during peak commute hours.

The project includes improvements to Novato Boulevard between Grant Avenue and Diablo Avenue to provide two through travel lanes (one in each direction) and a center, two-way left-turn lane between Diablo Avenue and 7th Street-Tamalpais Avenue, a second northbound through-travel lane between Boulevard Terrace and 7th Street-Tamalpais Avenue, and three through-travel lanes (two northbound and one southbound) and a center, two-way left-turn lane between 7th Street-Tamalpais Avenue and Grant Avenue.

The project includes other improvements such as new and reconstructed sidewalks, new bike lanes, reconstructed driveways, landscaping and water quality enhancement areas. In addition to the proposed roadway improvements, the project would include upgrades to existing City utilities including storm drainage, signals and lighting. Acquisition of portions of land along Novato Boulevard would be necessary in order to construct the proposed project. Land acquisitions would be required on the frontage of five parcels, all of which would be between Cypress Avenue and Diablo Avenue.

The project will be completed after the completion of the PG&E Rule 20A project which will underground existing overhead electric wiring along portions of Novato Blvd. The Novato Boulevard improvements will be completed in conjunction with other public agency improvement projects, such as sanitary sewer and water lines.

The project Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was completed under the California Environmental Quality Act. As a part of this process, the EIR was uploaded to the California State Clearinghouse on October 5, 2021. 

Location

Novato Boulevard between Diablo Avenue and Grant Avenue

Benefit

Improvements are needed to enable the roadway and intersections to operate more efficiently and to enhance safety and usability for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. 

Schedule

As of Spring 2025, PG&E has begun undergrounding work as the first phase of this project. City staff is working closely with PG&E to coordinate the design of the two projects, and the City’s work will begin once PG&E work is completed. At this time, the completion date of the PG&E project is estimated to be Spring 2026.

Cost

The preliminary project cost is estimated between $10M-$15M with approximately $12M of Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Measure A funding programmed for construction in the year 2022-23. There is approximately $12.5 million programmed for project capital expenditures. 

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