IMPROVEMENT VAN NESS PROJECT
FALL 2017 | ISSUE 6
Traffic Changes on Van Ness
By Sean Cronin Drivers will also be routed around extensive review process with safety as The Van Ness Improvement Project 12 protected trees in the median. a top priority. includes several phases of construction To best prepare drivers for these But the traffic control plan isn’t limited that require changing the way drivers get changes, traffic engineers from the to drivers. Any changes for people who around on Van Ness Avenue. For each SFMTA and Walsh Construction have are walking or taking transit on Van Ness of these phases, a comprehensive plan been working closely together to are also included in the plans, which must be developed that describes any develop a comprehensive traffic control highlight changes to sidewalk access and changes and how drivers will be expected plan that considers all vehicle types, bus stop locations. This will be a critical to navigate the newly configured drivers and pedestrians. component of the plan for the upcoming roadway. These plans are detailed, work as water and sewer lines are require extensive vetting, and must be The traffic control plan for the upcoming installed in the same spot buses pull approved before work can begin. utility replacements includes information over to pick up passengers today. related to roadway signs, traffic lane In the coming weeks, as construction “It’s like an intricate dance to keep configurations and construction barricades. moves from the median of Van Ness to everyone moving on Van Ness,” remarks Every detail is accounted for, including the curb for utility replacement, drivers project manager Peter Gabancho. the type of material to be used and its can expect quite a few changes in the proper placement. Other information, Once the final plan is vetted and approved way they get around on the street. Traffic like the width of each traffic lane and the following state and local guidelines, the lanes will be shifted away from the curb length of any transition lanes for vehicles project must adhere to it throughout that and onto the recently repaved median, turning onto or off Van Ness, is also particular phase of work. Similarly, making room for the water and sewer
included and vetted through an Marin County work to be done over the next two years. Alcatraz SEE TRAFFIC, PAGE 2 Treasure Is.
San Francisco Bay
Yerba Fort Columbus Ave Mason Buena Is. Polk St NORTH MARINA RUSSIAN BEACH Chestnut St DISTRICT Lombard St HILL SUPPORTING BUSINESS YOUR QUESTIONS FIND YOUR WAY The Embarcadero
Van Ness Ave Fillmore St Presidio Divisadero St NOB Kearny St PACIFIC HILL Stockton St HEIGHTS Clay St Sacramento St DOWNTOWN ANSWERED Pine St See page 2. See page 3. TENDERLOIN Geary St Land’s End JAPANTOWN SEACLIFF California St O’Farrell St 3rd St CIVIC 4th St Geary Blvd SOMA
Park - Presidio CENTER
25th Ave FILLMORE Mission St McAllister St RICHMOND DISTRICTBalboa St HAYES King St Alamo VALLEY McCovey Cove See page 2. Sq. Fulton St 11th St
Panhandle LOWER Stow Lake San Francisco Bay Spreckels Lake Haight St HAIGHT MISSION UPPER 3rd St Golden Gate Park Buena Vista Market St BAY HAIGHT Park
Lincoln Way 16th St Central Basin
Mission St Judah St POTRERO
19th Ave 18th St Sunset Blvd CASTRO Dolores HILL 46th Ave Park DOGPATCH MISSION DISTRICT SUNSETNoriega St DISTRICT
3rd St 24th St
Church St
Pacific Ocean Quintara St
NOE Islais Creek VALLEY Taraval St
Bernal Hts Glen Canyon Park
19th Ave Mt Davidson WEST Park BERNAL PORTAL 3rd St Stern Grove HEIGHTS Sloat Blvd SF Zoo India Basin
Monterey Blvd
San Bruno Ave PORTOLA Balboa BAYVIEW Ocean Ave Park TPC Harding HUNTER’S EXCELSIOR 3rd St POINT Lake Merced INGLESIDE
South Basin PARKMERCED Ft Funston Mission St
Randolph St McLaren Crocker- Broad St Park Bayview Amazon Park Geneva Ave VISITACION
VALLEY Candlestick Pt San Mateo County Open for Business on Van Ness Recognizing the difficulties that may arise for businesses during construction projects, the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) has created the Open for Business program. The Open for Business program will provide direct and customized marketing support to Van Ness corridor businesses through construction. To identify the perspectives and priorities of local businesses along the corridor Van Ness merchants were surveyed, collecting responses from more than 75 percent of corridor businesses. Survey responses are helping those administering the Van Ness Open for Business program ensure that is tailored to meet the unique needs of the corridor. If you have questions about the program or how you can get involved, email [email protected].
FROM PAGE 1 Traffic changes: Why is Van Ness reduced to two lanes on blocks where You Asked! there isn’t active construction? Utility work begins
a phase of work cannot begin until a For safety and circulation while providing space to do construction work, Van Ness Avenue has been traffic control plan is finalized and reduced to two lanes in each direction. While it approved. If something isn’t working as may seem practical to open lanes to traffic where expected, though, there is still room for there is no active construction work to give traffic adjustment. Revisions would follow a more space, safety and related logistics prevent similar approval process. this from being a possibility. Clear signage and lane markings help drivers stay safe in the Over the next three years, as construction construction zone. Significant logistics and of the project progresses, there will be resources would be required to adjust these as several changes to the way people the construction progresses along the corridor. interact with the street. But whether Meanwhile, a changing and unpredictable roadway you’re on a bus, in a car or on foot, the configuration in the construction zone would be changes will make the corridor safer less safe and more difficult for drivers to navigate.
and more efficient while you wait for an Joey Aduviso, Office/Field Engineer at San Francisco Public Works, is involved in construction improved Van Ness. management for the Van Ness Improvement Project and looks for opportunities to integrate the Public Works core values of respect, integrity and responsiveness to the project.
This civic improvement project on Van Ness Avenue from Aquatic Park to Mission Street provides IMPROVEMENT transportation upgrades, including San Francisco’s first Bus Rapid Transit system, a globally proven VAN NESS PROJECT solution to improve transit service and address traffic congestion; utility maintenance, including street repaving, and sewer, water and emergency firefighting water system replacement; and civic improvements, NEWSLETTER IS PRODUCED BY including streetlight replacement, new sidewalk lighting, landscaping and rain gardens. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency All images by SFMTA unless otherwise noted. One South Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94103
415.646.2310 [email protected]
2 VAN NESS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT | Fall 2017 Marin County GET AROUND Navigating to western San Francisco without turning left on Van NessAl atra
With left turns permanently removed from Van Ness Avenue to improve safety and circulation on the corridor, here are driving Treasure Is. directions to assist people navigating to destinations west of Van Ness AvenueSan from Fran is o the south ay and east. Directions are also available at sfmta.com/vanness.