Mudslide-Damaged Stretch of Road Reopens in Fairfax This Week

FAIRFAX, CA -- An eight-mile section of Fairfax-Bolinas Road that had been damaged by heavy mudslides is expected to reopen Nov. 18, after undergoing extensive repairs and safety improvements by the Marin County Department of Public Works.

The stretch of road between Ridgecrest and the Meadow Club in Fairfax, which is a key artery for many West Marin residents, has been closed since March, but now reopens just in time for rainy season.

The hilly, two-lane road was rendered unsafe after the storms seven months ago, and required an extensive design process to determine the appropriate repairs and satisfy contracting and funding requirements. The presence of northern spotted owl nests in the vicinity further complicated the project by delaying the commencement of repair work until after the end of the owl’s nesting season in September.

Geotechnical experts and engineers determined the causes of the mudslides and developed the stabilization measures needed to prevent future slides along the stretch of road. The Marin County Board of Supervisors awarded the $305,692 construction contract to Engineered Soil Repairs of Walnut Creek, and the project was completed on budget, according to the County.

Two new retaining walls were built and an existing wall was lengthened by 28 feet. The walls were constructed with special anchors to provide support against the steep slope along the edge of the road. The new areas in front of the retaining walls have been paved, but widening the shoulders to add parking was not performed, because the Marin Municipal Water District, which manages the trails in the area, discouraged it due to the area is already highly impacted by Cataract Falls Trailhead traffic and parking.

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