Central Marin Ferry Connection Bridge

Larkspur, California

This multi-use bridge opened in 2016. It extends the Cal Park Hill Multi-Use Pathway to the south providing an elevated pedestrian and bicycle crossing over busy Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, with safer, more direct, and convenient access to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, the future SMART Larkspur Station, Marin Airporter, local transit, schools, and residential communities.

Donald MacDonald Architects provided design services and architectural detailing in conjunction with extensive public hearings for the selection of an appropriate bridge type that would address the many transportation needs of this site. Donald MacDonald Architects then provided architectural design services to the bridge engineers on aesthetic detailing and bridge lighting.

Image courtesy Angelina Bondanza

Image courtesy Angelina Bondanza

The triangular pattern for this bridge reinforced the triangular shapes on the rooftop of the Larkspur Ferry Building, making the bridge cohesive with Larkspur Landing. Additionally, the lighting system follows the triangular pattern to reinforce the shape of the truss at night. Donald MacDonald Architects collaborated with Biggs Cardosa Associates, Alta Planning + Design, BKF, Fehr + Peers, and the Transportation Authority of Marin on the design of this bridge and pathway, incorporating the extensive community input.