State and regional agencies are moving ahead with upgrades to California State Route 37 to address frequent flooding and rising sea levels. The 21-mile road links communities north of San Francisco and faces permanent inundation risks without adaptation. Critics argue the effort falls short of what is needed for long-term resilience.
The $500 million project will span five years and include replacing one bridge with a structure 5 feet taller, raising two one-mile sections by up to 8 inches, adding carpool and bus lanes, and restoring a tidal marsh. Portions of the highway, built on embankments and causeways near San Pablo Bay, have already required occasional closures due to flooding.
Advocates for a larger $10 billion effort say the current plan overlooks future sea level rise, which could reach 10 inches by 2050 in California. They call for raising nearly the entire roadway, adding space for cyclists and pedestrians, and possibly including railway tracks over at least 20 years.
Agency officials note that the smaller project serves as an initial step, with $270 million already secured for the Novato Creek Bridge replacement to handle sea level rise until 2130. They aim to address immediate needs while pursuing additional funding for more extensive work.
Experts highlight broader challenges, including the risk that raising the road on mud could accelerate shoreline erosion or leave communities isolated if surrounding areas remain unprepared.