Somy Riyazat

Data Acquisition in GIS

Paul Veisze

Fall 2023

State Route 37 in Flood

Highway 37 runs through

areas close to San Pablo Bay,

which is part of the San

Francisco Bay estuary. The

presence of nearby wetlands

and marshes means that

water levels can rise

significantly during periods of

heavy rainfall, causing the

highway to flood.

Climate Change

Heavy Rainfall

Storm Events

Low elevation Below sea level

Wetland

Old drainage system

Rising sea levels

State Route 37 (SR 37) serves as a

vital connection between Marin,

Sonoma, Solano, Contra Costa,

and the Central Valley.

All four North Bay counties have agreed to

partner in planning near and long term

solutions for the corridor.

State Route 37 is recognized as the North Bay’s most heavily used east/west

highway serving commuters and visitors. The roadway experiences significant travel

delay and is also impacted by uneven subsidence and intermittent storm-related

flooding in several areas. Nearly the entire length between Novato and Vallejo is

predicted to become permanently submerged as sea levels rise if modifications are

not made. The result would be additional traffic on distant roadways that are not

equipped to handle it, economic loss and reduced opportunity for disadvantaged

Solano community residents who commute from and to Marin and Sonoma

counties.

Highway 37 in Disadvantaged Community

Route 37 needs more

resilience against chronic

traffic congestion, flooding,

and sea level rise, to preserve

vital connections between

jobs and homes.

State Route 37 (SR 37) runs

along the northern shore of San

Pablo Bay, linking US 101 in

Novato with Interstate 80 in

Vallejo. This 21-mile corridor

connects Solano County cities

and some of the most

affordable housing in the Bay

Area with jobs in Napa, Marin,

and Sonoma counties.

Much of Highway 37

is located in low-lying

areas near or below

sea level. These areas

are more susceptible

to flooding, especially

during heavy rains or

when high tides

coincide with storm

surges.

Rising sea levels due to climate

change can exacerbate flooding

issues along Highway 37. As sea

levels increase, the highway's

vulnerability to coastal and tidal

flooding also grows. The region

experiences heavy rainfall and

occasional storm events that

can overwhelm drainage

systems and lead to flooding.

Climate patterns and extreme

weather events can play a

significant role in causing

temporary inundation of the

highway.

Planning a long-term solution

presents an opportunity to

provide bicycle, pedestrian,

transit, and carpool options

for all travelers, and enhance

the quality of life for

residents, and build a

stronger local and regional

economy for all.

Urban Area

Collaborating with various

local agencies, stakeholders,

and environmental

organizations to develop

comprehensive solutions for

the flooding issues while

taking into account the

impact on the surrounding

environment.

Some of the proposed plans and measures of

Infrastructure improvements:

•Raising the Roadbed

•Levee Improvements

•Drainage System Upgrades

•Raised pavement elevation

•Bladders and portable pumps

Seeking to elevate state

Highway 37 between Vallejo

and County to protect the

flood-prone highway from

sea level rise from climate

change.

Resources:
“State Route 37 Flood Reduction Project Fact Sheet From US 101 to Atherton Ave.”, Caltrans, https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-
projects/d4-37-corridor-projects/37-projects/flood-control-project-04-4q320-fact-sheet-06302020
Hunter. Chase. “Sea level rise threatens Highway 37; leaders prepare billion dollar plan to stop it:” Nort Bay Business Journal, August 24, 2022, 
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/article/sea-level-rise-threatens-highway-37-leaders-prepare-billion-dollar-plan-to/
“Highway 37 Climate Adaptation, SB1 Adaptation Planning Grant: Final Case Study.” ResilientCA, https://resilientca.org/case-studies/highway-37-
climate-adaptation/
Craig, Miller. “North Bay's Highway 37 Is Going to Be a Serious Climate Mess.” KQED Inform.inspire.Involve, Apr 15, 2019, 
https://www.kqed.org/science/1940162/north-bays-highway-37-is-going-to-be-a-serious-climate-mess
“Caltrans Predicts Highway 37 To Be Permanently Flooded by Mid-Century; Seeks Solutions For Vital Corridor.” CBS News Bay Area, JANUARY 18, 2022, 
https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/caltrans-predicts-highway-37-to-be-permanently-flooded-by-mid-century-seeks-solutions-for-vital-
corridor/
Susan C, Schena. “Hwy 37 Flood Woes: Study To Identify Potential Solutions.” Patch, Mar 7, 2019, https://patch.com/california/novato/hwy-37-flood-
woes-study-identify-potential-solutions
“County of Marin - News Releases - Highway 37 Study.” County of Marin, March 06, 2019, https://www.marincounty.org/main/county-press-
releases/press-releases/2019/dpw-highway37study-030619
“Water Level Observations and Predictions.” Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Coastal Oceanography Group, UCDAVIS, 
https://coastalocean.ucdavis.edu/ocean-observing/hwy37
Hart, John. “Highway 37: The Road to Restoration”, San Francisco ESTUARY Magazine, June 2020, https://archive.estuarynews.org/estuary-news-
highway-37-the-road-to-restoration/
Powers, Kate. “FUTURE OF STATE ROUTE 37”, Marin Conservation League, February 2022, https://www.marinconservationleague.org/wp-
content/uploads/2022/01/NL-Jan-Feb-22_web_rev.pdf#page=10