Bay Bridge Lane Closures and Chinatown Event Reroutes This Friday
Morning Commute: Freeway Lane and Ramp Restrictions
Commuters heading into the city early this Friday, February 13, should be aware of several overnight construction projects concluding during the morning rush. Caltrans is finishing work on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and major city arteries. On the western span of the Bay Bridge, eastbound lanes 1, 2, and 3 are scheduled for closure until 7:00 a.m. for joint rehabilitation work. Meanwhile, westbound motorists on the bridge should see lanes 4 and 5 reopen by 4:00 a.m. following work on the Baylights project.
In the city, the Central and Bayshore Project is impacting I-80. The eastbound 80 lane 3 (from US-101 to the 4th/Bryant off-ramp) is closed until 6:00 a.m. Additionally, the eastbound off-ramp to 7th Street and the westbound on-ramp at 4th and Harrison streets will remain closed until 7:00 a.m. Drivers are advised to use alternate ramps at 5th Street or Harrison Street to avoid early morning bottlenecks.
Public Transit: BART and Muni Updates
Muni riders should prepare for significant system-wide changes starting tomorrow, Saturday, February 14, due to the closure of the Potrero Yard. While service today remains largely normal, you may notice staging and prep work near the 24th Street and Bryant areas. For today's commute, the 6 Hayes/Parnassus will begin its Friday evening reroute at 4:00 p.m. due to the Hayes Valley Shared Spaces event, which closes Hayes Street between Gough and Octavia until 10:00 p.m.
BART is reporting ongoing escalator modernization projects at Embarcadero and Civic Center/UN Plaza, which may slow foot traffic during peak hours. Furthermore, if you are traveling to or from SFO or Millbrae late tonight, expect up to 30-minute delays after 9:00 p.m. as crews perform train control modernization work.
Evening Impact: Event-Related Street Closures
Traffic is expected to thicken in the downtown and Chinatown areas this evening as the city prepares for the Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair. Starting at 11:00 p.m. tonight, Grant Avenue will close between California and Broadway. Pacific, Jackson, and Washington streets will also see block closures between Stockton and Kearny. These closures will persist through the weekend, so late-night commuters should avoid the northeast quadrant of the city.
Additionally, large crowds are expected near Nob Hill for the 'Noite de Carnaval' at Grace Cathedral starting at 5:30 p.m., and in the Castro for Sam Smith’s residency performance at 8:00 p.m. Parking will be extremely limited in these neighborhoods; taking public transit is highly recommended to reach these venues.
Ongoing Construction Alerts
The SFPUC Geary Boulevard Sewer and Water Replacement project continues to affect the Richmond District. Expect intermittent lane shifts and temporary bus stop relocations for the 38 Geary and 38R Geary Rapid between 32nd Avenue and Stanyan Street. Always look for orange advisory signage when waiting for your bus.