SAN RAMON, CALIFORNIA – San Ramon has approved a roughly $2.06 million design contract for a new bridge that would carry Iron Horse Trail walkers and cyclists over Crow Canyon Road.
The City Council voted 5-0 on September 21 to authorize an agreement with engineering firm Mark Thomas for up to $2,059,133. Councilmember Sridhar Verose made the motion, and Councilmember Richard Adler seconded it, according to the city’s meeting and vote record.
The decision advances a second major trail overcrossing in San Ramon, following the Bollinger Canyon Road bridge, which opened to the public on July 19, 2025.
For people using the trail, the Crow Canyon project would replace a street-level crossing with a route above traffic. The city plans to remove the existing traffic signal and crosswalk at the trail intersection.
City officials say that would reduce conflicts between vehicles and trail users while improving traffic flow. Safer access for nearby schools and encouraging more walking and biking are also among the project’s goals.
The $2.06 million agreement pays for design and engineering. Construction will require additional funding.
According to the city staff report, San Ramon received $2 million through the federal Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending program for the design phase. Another $233,232 from the city’s General Fund provides matching money.
That brings the available design budget to $2,233,232. The approved contract amount leaves $174,099 in that budget.
The consultant selection began in April 2025, when the city requested proposals for design and engineering services. Six companies responded, and staff interviewed the three highest-ranked teams.
Mark Thomas finished first in the selection process. Staff then negotiated the cost over several months. Caltrans also reviewed financial documents submitted by the firm and its subconsultants, with no comments reported, according to city staff.
The project has been in the works far longer than that procurement process. San Ramon approved a corridor concept plan in 2009 that examined potential Iron Horse Trail overcrossings. Public outreach later helped shape conceptual bridge designs for both Crow Canyon and Bollinger Canyon roads in 2015.
Residents should still expect a wait before a new bridge opens.
The city’s Crow Canyon project page lists a tentative construction window of 2028 through 2030, dependent on funding. That page also retains an older expectation that design would begin in 2025, so the schedule should be treated as a planning estimate.
The September 21 approval authorizes the design agreement; it does not award a construction contract or establish an opening date.
