May 29, 2024

Construction will begin once Archie Williams High School students are dismissed for summer

San Anselmo – Marin Water next month will launch an important water infrastructure project, replacing about 4,500 feet of aging water pipeline along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard between San Francisco Boulevard and Butterfield Road. 

The pipeline in this section of San Anselmo is nearing 100 years old and has a history of main breaks and costly pavement repairs and has been prioritized for replacement as part of Marin Water’s Capital Improvement Program. 

Set to begin mid-June, the Sir Francis Drake-Butterfield Pipeline Replacement Project is among more than a half-dozen major water infrastructure projects kicking off or continuing this summer as Marin Water works to maintain and improve its water system. 

“We are pleased to be able to make significant ongoing investments in the District’s water infrastructure,” said Ranjiv Khush, Marin Water Board of Directors president. “Marin Water has a duty not only to deliver clean drinking water to customer taps, but to steward ratepayer dollars. These investments reduce ongoing maintenance costs and ensure water system reliability for generations.” 

Marin Water has worked with the Town of San Anselmo to minimize disruptions related to the project, which is situated along a major thoroughfare serving Archie Williams High School and surrounding neighborhoods. Construction will begin after students are dismissed for the summer, and at times, traffic will be reduced to two lanes along Sir Francis Drake Road between San Francisco Boulevard and Butterfield Road. The project is expected to be completed in November. Construction schedules will be adjusted as needed, and in coordination with the Town of San Anselmo, to accommodate the start of school in the fall. 

In all, the project will install 4,540 feet of 12-inch, 10-inch, 8-inch, 6-inch and 4-inch welded steel pipe – a seismically stable alternative to the aging cast iron pipe currently in place beneath Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The new pipeline has a life expectancy of 100 years and will boost flows to fire hydrants, enhancing emergency capacity in the area. Once construction begins, drivers and pedestrians are advised to use caution, be aware of any field personnel and follow traffic control signs. 

For more information about this project, visit marinwater.org/SirFrancisDrakeButterfieldPipeline.