Embarcadero Way one-way conversion pilot project
We're testing a new one-way circulation pattern to improve safety on Embarcadero Way.
Description
Goals
- Improve safety for everyone using Embarcadero Way.
- Reduce conflicts caused by two-way traffic on a narrow street.
Pilot
- Test a one-way traffic circulation pattern directing vehicles toward nearby streets such as Mission Avenue, Marina Court Drive, or Sea View Avenue.
- Updated traffic counts will be collected after the start of the 2025–2026 school year.
- The pilot will run for at least 3 months.
- Community feedback and new data will be reviewed to decide next steps.
- Final recommendations are expected by mid-2026.
- Based on results and feedback, the City will decide whether to make the one-way pattern permanent or close the street.
Location
Map
Status and timeline
- Data collection and outreach: Fall 2025
- Pilot: Winter 2025 to Spring 2026
About
Embarcadero Way is a narrow street in the City of San Rafael. It runs between 3rd Street and the Montecito neighborhood, part of which is in unincorporated Marin County. The street borders the San Rafael High School property and has a steep, vegetated slope along its north side.
The street mainly serves high school students, staff, and nearby residents. Two homes at the east end have direct driveway access from Embarcadero Way. Because the street lies near the border of San Rafael and Marin County, the City will coordinate with the County to ensure any changes do not negatively affect nearby County streets.
Current conditions
Embarcadero Way is too narrow for two-way traffic. Drivers often have to back up or pull into driveways to let oncoming cars pass. The Police Department and residents have reported safety concerns related to this issue.
Impacts
The main impact of this proposal is that traffic from Embarcadero Way will be redirected to nearby streets—Mission Avenue, Marina Court, and Sea View Avenue.
The pilot project will test whether these nearby streets can handle the extra traffic without causing congestion or circulation problems.
Before and during the pilot, the City will collect traffic data at key locations:
- All parts of the Mission Avenue–Marina Court/Sea View Avenue intersection (an all-way stop)
- Embarcadero Way and 3rd Street intersection
Project history
In 2022, the City contacted neighbors to gather feedback on possible traffic changes, including converting the street to one-way travel. Traffic counts from Embarcadero Way and nearby streets were used to help select a preferred direction.
The project was paused due to limited staff capacity, but interest remained high. Reports and requests continued to come in. Once the City’s traffic team was reestablished, the project was restarted.