The bustling city of Larkspur has long been a gem in Marin County, known for its vibrant community, local businesses, and scenic beauty. However, our charm is often overshadowed by a significant traffic issue that affects residents, visitors, and businesses alike. The current lack of a proper connector between Northbound 101 and Eastbound 580 has created a bottleneck that deters many from stopping in Larkspur during commute hours, leading them to pass us by instead of exploring all that our city has to offer.

To address this pressing issue, the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) has initiated the Northbound 101 and Eastbound 580 Direct Connector Project. This project aims to construct a seamless connection between these two vital freeways, significantly improving traffic flow and reducing congestion. The direct connector will not only alleviate the current traffic woes but also enhance the accessibility to Larkspur, making it more attractive for commuters and travelers to visit our city.

Community involvement has been a cornerstone of this project. Over 50 community members participated in a highly productive workshop on Bellam Boulevard on Wednesday, May 29. During this event, participants collaborated in groups, using maps and markers to illustrate their usage of the corridor and to pinpoint needs and potential solutions.

They understand that not everyone could attend the workshop, and they still want to hear from you. TAM has put together a survey to help collect your valuable input. Please click here to share your ideas and feedback. For those interested in more information, the meeting presentation and exhibit boards are available on the project website.

Looking ahead, a workshop is scheduled for July 13 in the Canal neighborhood (details to be announced), with another Bellam Boulevard workshop planned for the fall to discuss potential corridor improvements. The Bellam Boulevard corridor is vital for residents, businesses, transit users, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Your feedback is crucial in helping the project team develop improvements that benefit everyone.

The Northbound 101 and Eastbound 580 Direct Connector Project promises to transform our traffic landscape, boost economic opportunities, and support our sustainability goals. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this project will have on our community and invite everyone to stay informed and engaged as we move forward.