BKF Engineers, a leading provider of civil engineering design services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the contract by the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) to provide engineering design and environmental clearance services for the Puerto Suello Non-Motorized Pathway (NMP) in San Rafael, California. The Puerto Suello NMP project aims to enhance pedestrian and cyclist connectivity by developing a critical segment of the multi-use pathway between Merrydale Road and Los Ranchitos Road. Additionally, this initiative supports SMART’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and accessible transportation infrastructure in Sonoma and Marin Counties.

BKF Engineers and the Project Team will be responsible for:

• Civil design and environmental clearance for the preferred pathway alignment, identified as the “Preferred Route – Caltrans-SMART Route.”
• Development of detailed engineering drawings and geotechnical analysis.
• Design and coordination of grade crossings and roadway improvements.
• Completion of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance and associated environmental permitting.
• Preparation of supplemental technical specifications tailored to the project’s unique requirements.
• Development of cost estimates, bid sheets, and construction documentation.

The scope of work is structured to include both base and optional tasks, ensuring flexibility in project execution. Chiefly, the base tasks encompass project management, preliminary engineering, and environmental review. Additionally, optional tasks, which SMART may authorize as needed, include advanced design packages, environmental permitting, potholing, and construction support services.

The Puerto Suello Non-Motorized Pathway is a vital component of SMART’s broader initiative to enhance transit-oriented infrastructure and increase accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. Accordingly, this project aligns with regional sustainability goals and will serve as a model for integrating multi-modal transportation solutions.