Marin Water is replacing underground water pipeline along Miracle Mile, a well-traveled route connecting San Rafael to San Anselmo. The project will occur in two phases and replace more than a mile of aging, leak-prone cast iron pipe – some of which was installed as early as 1883 – with seismically resilient welded steel pipe.
- Phase One: The first phase of construction begins in San Rafael, just west of downtown, on a portion of Fourth and Second streets and on Marquard Avenue. This first phase is expected to be completed in late summer just ahead of the City’s upcoming intersection improvements, which are planned within the same area.
- Phase Two: The second phase of the project will begin after the City’s roadway improvements have been completed and continue west along Fourth Street into San Anselmo, where the roadway becomes Red Hill Avenue.
Construction update (October 2027): Phase One Work to begin soon
Phase One of the pipeline project is expected to get underway in San Rafael soon, and will take about two months to complete. Underground pipeline work will occur along a portion of Fourth and Second streets (just west of the downtown) and also on Marquard Avenue. Typical of pipeline projects, the work will occur in sections and gradually progress westward along the alignment, helping to limit impacts to any one area at a time.
What to expect once Phase One construction begins in San Rafael:
- Traffic impacts: Because this is a heavily traveled commuter route between San Rafael and San Anselmo, motorists should expect weekday traffic impacts between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and allow extra time for travel. Drivers are asked to follow traffic control signs, reduce speeds, and use caution in active work zones. Traffic impacts will be monitored during the progression of the work, and whenever possible, adjustments will be made to optimize traffic flow.
- Parking and access: Temporary street parking restrictions may occur in areas of active construction to maintain traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Street parking will reopen after 5 p.m. each day. Parking lots adjacent to active work areas will remain accessible throughout construction. Businesses and properties along the corridor will remain accessible during construction.
- Roadway safety: Heavy equipment and crews will be working in the roadway. Businesses and properties along Miracle Mile will remain accessible during construction. Please follow traffic control signs, reduce vehicle speed and allow extra travel time.
- Service interruptions: Most customers along the immediate project area will experience at least two planned temporary water service interruptions during construction. At least one temporary water outage lasting up to several hours is necessary to connect the new water pipes to the existing system and to abandon the older water pipes. If your property is subject to a longer planned water outage, Marin Water will provide 48 hours advance notice with a door-hanger in advance of the outage. An additional short-duration outage will be necessary to renew the service lateral and connect each customer’s water meter to the newly installed water pipeline – notice for this will be provided the day of the planned interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this project necessary?
The potable water distribution pipes in this area are extremely old – some were installed in 1883. They also have a history of leaks that disrupt water service and are costly to repair. Additionally, old steel and cast iron pipes are brittle, which makes them more likely to fail during a seismic event. Replacing the old pipe in this area with new, welded steel pipe will help prevent future leaks and improve the seismic resilience of the water distribution system.
Is Marin Water coordinating with the City of San Rafael’s planned roadway improvements?
Yes. Marin Water is coordinating closely with the City of San Rafael to minimize construction impacts to residents and additional costs for overlapping construction efforts. Phase One of the Miracle Mile Pipeline Replacement Project is being expedited to ensure work is complete before the city’s planned Second and Fourth streets intersection improvements. Phase two of the pipeline project will begin once the City of San Rafael completes its roadway project, which is currently anticipated for 2027.
Has Marin Water coordinated this project with other utilities?
Yes. Marin Water coordinated with the following utilities and agencies: City of San Rafael Public Works Department, the San Rafael Sanitation District, AT&T, PG&E, and Comcast.
Can businesses remain open during construction?
Yes. Businesses may remain open during construction activities. Daily work will conclude by 5 p.m. Water service disruption to businesses may occur at night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. To plan accordingly, businesses will receive 48 hours of advanced notice before any major planned shutdown with the exception of service transfers, which will be notified the day of renewing the water service lateral.
Will there be construction at night or on weekends?
Water service disruption to businesses may occur at night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Notification of night work will be provided a minimum of 10 days prior to the work.
How many times will my water service be interrupted?
Most customers will experience two temporary service interruptions during construction. Interruptions will typically occur during normal construction hours (M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Customers will receive 48 hours of advanced notice via door hanger before any major planned shutdown with the exception of service transfers, which will be notified the day of renewing the water service lateral.
Contact Information
- During business hours: Contact Marin Water Construction Management Team, 415-945-1560
- After-hour water system emergencies: Call the 24/7 Emergency Hotline, 415-945-1500
If you experience a construction-related issue, please contact Marin Water so our team can investigate.
Investing in your water system
The potable water distribution pipes in this area are extremely old, with some installed in 1883. These older pipes have a history of leaks that disrupt water service and are costly to repair. Additionally, old steel and cast iron pipes are brittle, which makes them more likely to fail during a seismic event. Replacing the old pipe in this area with new, welded steel pipe will help prevent future leaks and improve the seismic resilience of the water distribution system. This pipeline is a critical supplemental water supply feed for the greater San Rafael and San Anselmo areas, making this an important investment and major benefit for both communities’ water system reliability.
Funding Sources
| Capital Maintenance Fund | Other Funding Sources | Total |
| $5,200,000 | – | $5,200,000 |