The Resilient State Route 37 Program partnership — which includes MTC and its Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority affiliate as well as Caltrans; transportation agencies in Marin, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties; SMART; state and federal resource agencies; tribal governments and others — this month launched an online survey to learn more from travelers about why, how and how often they use Highway 37, what they know about planned improvements to the route, and their familiarity with Bay Area toll facilities and the FasTrak electronic toll payment system. Survey responses will help the Resilient 37 partners fine-tune strategies to help meet regional transportation and environmental goals.
The survey can be found here:
Highway 37 is a critical 21-mile route linking Solano, Napa, Sonoma and Marin counties, and one that experiences a high level of traffic congestion and seasonal flooding. The Resilient 37 Program is addressing these challenges with short-term improvements to be implemented over the next few years as well as long-term improvements that likely will take decades to deliver.
Proposed Toll
Short-term improvements to Highway 37 include easing the 10-mile bottleneck between Sears Point in Sonoma County and Mare Island in Solano County by expanding the roadway from one lane to two lanes in each direction. One lane would remain free-of-charge for eligible carpool vehicles, buses and motorcycles, while the other lane would be a tolled lane.
This project is expected to cost $500 million and open to the public in 2030.
The proposed toll would support shorter commute times, improved road conditions, increased travel options and improved air quality for all who travel Highway 37 between Sears Point and Mare Island. Toll rates are expected to be similar to those on Bay Area toll bridges. MTC is looking at potential discount programs for qualifying low-income drivers.
Adding a toll on SR 37 will help meet three important goals:
- The State of California requires a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a reduction in the overall number of vehicle-miles traveled.
- The toll will be an important source of funds for construction. A local funding source will help the project secure match funding from the state and federal governments.
- A faster, less frustrating and more resilient Highway 37 improves the quality of life in the Bay Area.
The Highway 37 survey will be online through at least mid-November.
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